Moving to Rhythms
Here's What To Do
1
Turn on some music. Dance for me and match the rhythm of the music (don't worry if you're not a confident dancer, clapping or stomping to the beat counts!).
2
Invite me to "dance" with you and encourage me to imitate you. If I can't stand on my own yet, I can dance while sitting or while you're holding me.
3
Help me move to the rhythm- bounce or rock me to the beat of the music while carrying me or when I'm in your lap.
4
Repeat whenever we hear music!
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Help me stretch my arms high and low.
E
Engage:
- "Dance with me! Can you clap your hands like this?"
- "Let me pick you up and we'll sway to the beat. Back and forth, back and forth."
E
Encourage:
- If I don't copy you dancing to the rhythm but I'm having fun, let me continue moving in my own way.
- Encourage me by clapping and cheering for me, and dancing along with me.
R
Reflect:
- Was I having fun dancing? Did I try to copy any of your moves or rhythms?
Not quite ready?
Continue playing music with different rhythms and dancing with me.
Ready for more?
Give me spoons, rattles, and bells to make rhythms along with familiar songs.
As your child masters this skill...
They will try to imitate an adult's dance moves.