Children are born explorers, adventurers, climbers and builders. Because sitting still doesn’t come naturally, award-winning Gryphon House authors developed innovative music and movement activities for all ages. Children learn math through counting rhythms, art through pleasant melodies, and science through investigative play with percussion instruments. Explore the activities below to get started on building music lesson plans for toddlers, infants or preschoolers.
Individual Child
Two common forms of professional learning are professional learning communities (PLCs) and communities of practices (CoPs). Both PLCs and CoPs are groups of professionals who regularly come together to discuss ideas, gain knowledge, and improve their practices. Groups that interact respectfully also develop understanding and trust. Try this exercise from Lose the Lecture: Engaging Approaches to Early Childhood Professional Learning to start your group's process of building respect and trust.
Mentoring and CoachingSummer is a perfect time to experiment with open-ended outdoor activities for toddlers and preschoolers. Open-ended art projects that emphasize process over product help young children develop crucial skills as they interact with others and think creatively. Grab some sidewalk chalk, and try these DIY sidewalk chalk activities to get your preschoolers outside and immersed in play today.
Summer Learning Outdoor Learning ArtIn this child-driven exploration by Angela Eckhoff, PhD, author of Provoking Curiosity: Student-Led STEAM Learning for Pre-K to Third Grade, children are invited to conduct physical changes with everyday objects and to create collages using the materials they have manipulated.
Science“It’s a bug!” is a common phrase heard across all playgrounds as young children explore all those small creatures that walk, fly, and crawl. This provocation (child-driven exploration) by Angela Eckhoff, PhD, author of Provoking Curiosity: Student-Led STEAM Learning for Pre-K to Third Grade, draws children’s attention to the differences among bugs, insects, and arthropods as a means to build both life-science understandings and classification skills.
ScienceLooking for some activities that will keep young children stimulated, contribute to their physical and intellectual growth, and that you can enjoy and participate in as well? Try three activities from Banish Boredom by Rebecca Green.
Art ScienceHome, family, and community are the first experiences a young child has. Whether the neighborhood is new to you or not, it is less known to the toddlers. Go for a walk!
Summer Learning Outdoor Learning Infant & ToddlerPlay and learn wherever you go--on the road, in the air, out to dinner, or back at home! Go Anywhere Games for Babies is a handy little book packed with learning and bonding games designed for each stage of your baby’s first year.
Infant & ToddlerTake the tots outside and guide their innate spirit of adventure! Nature bracelets are easy to make and a perfect activity for hikes or camping.
Movement and Play Outdoor Learning Infant & ToddlerUse open-ended music and movement activities for preschoolers to encourage a long standing appreciation of music and the arts. Our movement activities are designed to focus childrens’ natural energy and curiosity in fun, educational ways. Twisting, bending, wiggling, and jumping to rhythms teaches children how their bodies move as they enjoy creating music from percussion instruments.
Our music activities for preschoolers are innovative and thoughtfully crafted for educators looking for creative ways to teach social skills while enhancing rhythmic awareness. When preschoolers are given the chance to use their voices for singing, or hands for shaking tambourines, they’re making vital connections between themselves and the outside world.
Parents can easily adapt music and movement activities created for preschoolers and toddlers for their younger children. Music activities for infants can be as simple as singing silly rhyming songs. Not only does singing to infants boost language development, singing enhances other areas of infant development like improvisation and creative thinking.
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