Music + Movement with Children by Helen Battelley

17th February 2017

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Helen will be delivering a movement pedagogy workshop on Saturday 4th March 2.30pm.

National Guidelines recommend young children should ‘exercise’/’move’ for 180 minutes every day- 30 minutes of which should be exuberant, cardio exercise.

We learn more physical skills in our first five years than at any other time in our lives.  Therefore it’s important that young children have lots of time to practice and develop these skills.

Try these:

Simple Choreography will develop sequencing.  Creating and following simple patterns is also a key mathematical area in ordering and problem-solving.

Start with a Simons Says game: Simon says wiggle your bottom, Simon says jump up and clap.  Progress to follow the leader, copy each others dance moves and keep it simple try to remember the sequence of moves. Use Justin Timberlake’s – I Got this Feeling (it’s impossible to stand still when you here it!)

When moving to a rhythm, children will understand musicality, tempo and timing.  This is crucial in mathematical development. Dancing also helps children comprehend their own spatial awareness Find a piece of music with a recurrent beat e.g. Happy by Pharrell Williams

Practice counting; 8 claps, 8 jumps, 4 knee bends, 2 twirls.  Ask the children to suggest some moves.  Once you have some basic moves established, let the children explore movement.  Ensure to act some directional movement and floor work.

Using equipment in dance; scarves, ribbons, balls, claves etc will encourage gross and fine motor skills needed to write.  Using stimuli also removes any self-conscious feelings children may have due to gender stereotypes and dance.

With a ‘floaty’ scarf, practise moving high and low, side to side, wiggle the scarf like a snake, tickle your toes, throw it in the air and catch it. Encourage a change of tempo, fast movements to fast music, and slow movement to slow music: TRY Bjorks- Oh So Quiet

The course is especially suited to those who would like to learn more about the importance of physical activity in the early years and how to engage with young children (aged 18mths-5 years) in more physically active play.  

The training will show how dance and movement can make strong links with ALL Prime and Specific Areas of the EYFS.

“Great resource ideas, loved the Cultural music ideas. Very Inspiring session!”

 “I enjoyed telling stories through movement”

“This workshop was amazing, so much information to take in!  The ‘brain gym’ style activities will help get my children focused for the day. Thank you”

Helen delivers training, seminars and consultancy to EYFS practitioners, managers and teachers internationally, in understanding the importance of dance/movement in play and the cross-curricular links associated with dance in Early Childhood.

‘Dance is not a skill, but an “openness” to explore movement.  Everyone has the ability to dance and respond to music. Music and Movement Pedagogy creates an ideal foundation for creative, social, emotional and physical development.’ Helen Battelley

For more information visit www.musicandmovement.org.uk/cpd-training Or contact  Helen@musicandmovement.org.uk

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