Bringing Joy Through Movement and Song

Bringing Joy Through Movement and Song

In my Parent Child Garden classes and parenting support sessions we often talk about how young children learn by doing. They are constantly moving and exploring.This is how they find their relationship first to their own bodies, then to others and to the world around them. When we come together for circle movement and songs it is not just entertainment but a joyful celebration of the world around us and a confirmation of the young child's existence in it! We find community with each other and nature as we experience the unfolding of the seasons through movement and song. Here is what we focus on in the Parent Child Garden classes and what you can also do at home:

INFANTS: Singing and movement for this age involves soothing lullabies and gentle and respectful touch games. These help your infant find secure attachment to you and a gradual awareness of their own body which is the foundation for joyful and healthy self-initiated movement. The way we touch babies is also how they will touch the world.

TODDLERS: Movement is the top priority for these little ones who are always on the go! Balancing lively gestures and delicious nonsensical words with moments of soft and sweet melodies helps to regulate and integrate the experience. It is only natural for these busy bee’s to take off during circle time but the repetition of song and movement and a gentle guidance back to circle will eventually entice participation. Once they are able to sit and engage, they often experience the song and movements inwardly at first but rest assured, they are still participating! They will delight in the movement and words which fosters a rich capacity for language.

PRESCHOOLERS: Somewhere around 2 1/2 to 3 the imaginative pictures that the circle of songs and movement evoke gradually begin to take root. Now the young child really feels like they are part of the story and they can engage wholeheartedly! Their imaginative capacity is now awakening. The imitative process is more outwardly visible now and the child’s coordination becomes ever more fluid as they begin to take hold of their body. They will even add their own ideas to the moment.

What the Child Experiences 

• Wonder, joy, reverence and humor
• Fine and large motor development as well as balance and spacial recognition
• Language development through song, repetition, rhyme and rhythm
• Rich sensory experiences
• A growing capacity for imagination
• A kinship with the natural world and the unfolding seasons

How the Parent Can Accompany

• Be in the moment and engage in the experience with joy and full participation- your child learns by imitating you.
• Create a space of calm presence without distractions like eating or talking for you or your child. 
• Allow your child to experience the movements without your physical guidance or narration.They may not imitate the movements outwardly at first but you may see them singing or moving in the car or in the bathtub later
• Let go of expectaions. Love where your child is in their development right now!