Art | Blocks | Dramatic Play | War Play | Sensory Experiences |
Music, Movement, and Gross Motor Activities | Outings

Music, Movement, and Gross Motor Activities

All children need opportunities to move and use their bodies. Very young children do so constantly as they experiment with what their bodies can do and where their bodies will fit. Just as they use manipulative toys, they like to put their bodies in, on, under, over, through, behind, and around. Opportunities for such movement may be provided at group times but should also be incorporated into the daily life of the Center. Classrooms may be set up to provide spaces for children to hide, to be up high, or underneath. The climbing room should be used for such spatial explorations as well as to release energy.

Group times can be difficult for very young children who have never experienced sitting in a group, waiting, or taking turns. While they will certainly be interested in the group time activity, it may take a while for them to sit and participate. Older children who are developmentally capable of such an activity should be encouraged to be part of the group.

Just as many parents sing to their children while they dress them or while doing the dishes, music doesn't have to be confined to the group time. It is quite wonderful for teachers to make up songs to sing about what the children are doing, to sing as you go outside, or at any other time of the day. Singing is often a good way to distract, encourage, or involve a child who is being oppositional.