Dance My Dance and Freeze Dance

Directions:

Take turns challenging each other to walk like a particular person might, such as a tightrope walker, astronaut on the moon, window washer on a high ledge, old person, baby learning to walk, circus clown, marching soldier, etc. Also, play music and let the children dance and then suddenly stop the music. Instruct the children to freeze when the music stops. Then start the music again! In addition to sparking the imagination, this activity involves a great deal of controlled movement.

LIMBO! LIMBO! LIMBO!

Supplies:

• Piece of rope at least 6 feet long
• Fun Music


Directions:

1. This activity strengthens the muscles and focuses attention. Tie one end of the rope to a tree or chair and hold the free side about 2 feet off the ground.
2. Challenge your child to go under the rope by crawling or scooting on the tummy.
3. Lower the rope a few inches each turn and repeat as many times as possible.

Circle Dances

Directions:

1. Circle dances are a great way to stress body movement.
2. Whether you dance with several children or just one, circle dances can be a lot of fun.
3. Try old favorites like Hokey Pokey, London Bridges, Ring around the Rosie, Mulberry Bush, Skip to My Lou, or Head Shoulders Knees and Toes.

Music and Movement

Supplies:

• Your homemade rhythm instruments, real musical instruments, such as piano or guitar, or recorded music

Directions:

1. The goal of this activity is to have your child experience movement as it relates to music or rhythm.
2. Play different types of music and have your child physically express how the music makes him feel: run for fast music, tiptoe for soft music, hop and bounce for happy music, march for a parade tune, and so on.
3. You can also tap out a rhythmic beat and encourage your child to clap or hop in time to the beat.

Dance

*Suggested Reading*

Barnyard Dance! By Sandra Boynton
Hilda Must Be Dancing by Karma Wilson
Dance with Me: Super Sturdy Picture Book by Charles R. Smith Jr.
Dancing with Daddy by Willy Welch
The Little Ballerina by H.L. Ross


Items needed this week:

The musical Instruments you made last week
6 foot Rope

Snack Suggestion: Monkey Mix

Ingredients:
• 1 1/4 cups dried bananas
• 1 cup each dried papaya and dried mango
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup coconut
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (a tasty substitute for bugs!)

Instructions:
Combine ingredients and enjoy!