Music Time Ideas

[blandino]

We do music first thing every day, so we can get a little energy out before we have to sit for story time, art, and lessons, etc. I have about 5 different CDs that I alternate. They have normal songs like "Old McDonald" and "head, shoulders, knees and toes" - and then I introduce special CDs to go along with each monthly theme. They have a large bucket of instruments that I put out at music time also.

Anyway, the problem is they seem to be getting bored with music time. I was wondering I anyone had any ways to liven it up a little ? A friend recommended letting them dance with ribbons - does anyone do that - do they enjoy it ?

[littleblossoms]

I used ribbons, scafts.

Changed up the instruments. Have rattles or shakers, then another day have drums and so on

[WImom]

I use bean bags, pom pons ($ store), Scarves, instruments. We also use the parachute a few times a month.

I've also done streamers just tied on their wrists.

[DCMama]

the "we are the dinosaur, we make the world flat" is really popular among the children that i have because they get to walk around the room pretending to be dinosaurs. Maybe try different song. get some puppets in the song. have some of them to alternate and lead the group would be fun.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Scarves are a big dancing tool here. You can get them cheaply at thrift stores (used).

We love Johnette Downing's album "Scarf Activity Songs."

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

the "we are the dinosaur, we make the world flat" is really popular among the children that i have because they get to walk around the room pretending to be dinosaurs. Maybe try different song. get some puppets in the song. have some of them to alternate and lead the group would be fun.

Laurie Berkner Band? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLdDKNxrL68

[Sprouts]

http://www.amazon.com/Kids-In-Action-Greg-Steve/dp/B0000A8XP8/ref=ntt_mus_ep_dpi_1

Greg and steve have awesome fun listening ones, going on a bear hunt is popular one! We love bop until you drop!

At circle time we sing about what were wearing, I put my circle rug in the middle we sit around it, one child goes to the middle...we ask them "joey what are you wearing today...toddlers point , Pre schoolers will say color or picture or design...then we All clap (while child is in the middle hopping or showing their cool dance moves) "Joey is wearing a purple shirt, purple shirt, purple shirt, Joey is wearing a purple shirt, yes he is!"

The toddlers will wonder around sometimes but when it's their turn thy end up right in the middle, it teaches them to be patient as well! We love it

[HappyHearts]

At circle time we sing about what were wearing, I put my circle rug in the middle we sit around it, one child goes to the middle...we ask them "joey what are you wearing today...toddlers point , Pre schoolers will say color or picture or design...then we All clap (while child is in the middle hopping or showing their cool dance moves) "Joey is wearing a purple shirt, purple shirt, purple shirt, Joey is wearing a purple shirt, yes he is!"

The toddlers will wonder around sometimes but when it's their turn thy end up right in the middle, it teaches them to be patient as well! We love it

I do something similar. With the children in a circle or line, we all sing and clap together....
"Jimmy, Jimmy jump up and down, jump up and down, jump up and down, Jimmy, Jimmy, sit, right back down."

After doing this with each individual child then we sing and clap again, replacing the child's name with "everybody", so everyone gets to jump at the same time. This is an all time favorite here.

[DCMama]

Laurie Berkner Band? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLdDKNxrL68

Yes, love that song. My son cant get enough either. From that song so many other projects arised. We end up making dinosaur hats and masks for children to look the part. We take this song indoors outdoors and on walks to encourage children to walk in a line

[LK5kids]

Yes, get some Greg and Steve CD's, Hap Palmer, or Dr. Jean. Following actions to music is great fun! Hap Palmer's "Getting to Know Myself" has LOTS of following directions to music.

[Largemouthfrog]

Music video

http://youtu.be/bw2nif3jt6w

I find that kids love watching this video.

[originalkat]

I have a music and Movement Time. We have bean Bags, colored scarves, instruments, hula hoops that I lay flat on the floor to jump through, Rhythm Sticks, and several cool things I got with grant money from LakeShore like the Lets Get Moving Activity Mats and the Balance and Flexibility Movement Kit.

[Blackcat31]

We also have a Dance With Me video camera. You hook it up to a TV and the device plays scenes along with words and music and the kids can visually see themselves dancing on the screen!

One of the best purchases I ever made!

[NeedaVaca]

Love this-actually plugging a friend but trust me, it's great

http://littlemissann.com/

[Jewels]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVq0qfidupQ

Jim Gill, I have all of his CD's every song encourages some type of movement, they are so much fun.