Creative Movement
December
We have packed a lot into our Creative Movement sessions this Fall. Starting with apple picking in September, and continuing with other Fall themes, we have included the concepts of body part and locomotor movements, traveling in different pathways through space. The children loved interpreting the story of “The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything” in movement in October. We all enjoyed doing falling leaf dances with colored scarves in November. We have had fun with rhythm activities as well; we did a little Native American drumming before Thanksgiving.
In December we’ll be focusing on making different body shapes. From round tree ornaments and wreaths, to straight tall candles, triangular Christmas trees, and star shapes, and even twisting ourselves up like ribbons, we’ll explore the many ways we can move our bodies. We’ll also continue to do different locomotor movements, dancing to some favorite Christmas songs, prancing and flying like reindeer, and galloping like horses while we keep the steady beat on jingle bells. We’ll play the drums to “The Little Drummer Boy”, and we’ll finish up the month dancing like some of the characters from “The Nutcracker” ballet. This can sometimes be a stressful time of year, with all that we have to do to get ready for the holidays; I will be ending our sessions this month with some quiet breathing stretches.
As always, please feel free to stop by and visit on Mondays, and/or contact me if you have any questions or concerns about the Creative Movement program. I wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season, and look forward to dancing and singing with your children in the new year!
Carrie Wilcox, Creative Movement Teacher
September
Contributing to Early Childhood Development Through Dance
I’m very happy to be starting another year as the Creative Movement teacher at Lord of Life Preschool . This year, our Creative Movement sessions will be offered once a week, for all the classes that meet on Mondays. I have provided an overview of this program below for those of you who are new to the school, and to serve as a reminder for returning parents.
There are so many benefits to Creative Movement, it is hard to list them all, but I will outline many of them here. We are all aware of the health benefits of physical exercise, including increased flexibility, strength, and coordination. We will begin class with age-appropriate stretches and warm-ups. Our exercises will progress from axial (stationary) to locomotor (traveling ) movement, such as galloping, jumping, hopping, and sliding, providing aerobic benefits.
Rather than focus on a specific dance style, such as ballet or tap, a creative approach to natural movement is most appropriate for young children. In our sessions, students will learn body part awareness and control, and be exposed to the dance elements of shape, rhythm, time, space, and effort. Simple percussion instruments will be used for rhythm experiences. Props such as scarves, bean bags, and hoops are also used to enhance the theme of the day.
Studies have shown a direct correlation between directed movement activities and cognitive development in young children. Movement patterns and sequencing, and basic rhythm activities strengthen neuromuscular connections in young children, and reinforce developing language and math concepts.
Perhaps most importantly, when children attend Creative Movement they will have the opportunity for creative expression, and so “own” their movement, allowing for increased confidence and self-esteem. Their thoughts, ideas, imagination, and feelings are all taken into consideration, leading to joyful experiences. Children learn to respect each other’s space and ideas, and have fun with non-competitive movement games, yielding positive social benefits as well.
Please feel free to come see me anytime if you have any questions about the Creative Movement program. I always post a note outside Room #1 so that you can see what we do each week, and I will put periodic updates on the LOL website. I’m looking forward to an exciting and creative year with your children!