What We Learn |
Motor development
Emotional competence
Self-regulation |
Supply List |
Butcher paper
Markers
Crayons
Colored pencils
Chalk
Various music (slow, medium, and fast beats)
Containers |
How-To |
Set this activity at a table where the children are free to walk around. Tape a large piece of butcher paper to the table. Place markers, crayons, chalk and colored pencils in containers on the center of the table within reach of all the children. Have a stereo or boom box ready with different types of music. You should have a variety of music tempos (slow, medium and fast) ready to play during this activity.
Gather all the children around the table. Make sure the table is big enough so there’s room for each kid. Turn the music on and instruct the kids to draw with large broad strokes, following the rhythm of the music.
The activity isn’t so much about having the kids draw a particular “thing,” but more about following the tempo of the music while using the writing instruments to create abstract artwork. Ask the kids open-ended questions about how the music makes them feel.
Next, stop the music. Explain to the children that whenever the music stops, they are to put down their writing instruments and walk around the table until the music starts again. When the music starts again, the children stop wherever they are and start drawing again. Each time you play the music, change the type of music being played so that the children hear a variety of tempos and music styles. Repeat this process over and over again with the kids.
When you’re working with younger kids, they can stay in one place but they can still be encouraged to go slow or fast when the music is playing. This activity is great for older kids since they can understand the changes in tempo or the speed of the music.
As always, for a child with developmental differences, the provider should observe the needs of the child and adapt the activity to the abilities of the child in order to not overwhelm him or her. |
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