Breakfast Break

Materials

none

Instructions

1. Write a few short games, songs, poems, fingerplays, and jokes on index cards.
2. Punch holes in the cards and hold them together with a ring.
3. Categorize the cards and put them into several groups to switch around so
that you only carry several at a time.
4. Keep the cards in the apron pockets so you can take them out quickly when
needed.
5. Whenever you transition from one activity to another (especially if it entails
lining up or moving with several children at a time), reach into the apron
pocket and pull out a card. Introduce a favorite song, joke, and so on so the
children can focus on a positive way to move.
More to do Music: Use interactive songs when possible to keep everyone's attention. For
example, sing, "If you are wearing a blue shirt, wave hello!" Continue with other
identifiers such as, "If you have a big smile, walk in line."
More Music: Make up songs with familiar tunes. For example, sing, "Mary put
some blocks away, blocks away, blocks away, before you come to snack!" (to the
tune of "Mary Had a Little Lamb"). The children are much happier to respond to
musical requests.