Of Music and Movement

This Little One doesn't quite like dancing and would never do it at home. However, I decided to give a long shot here since music and movement would have been great for sensorimotor skills; coordination; self-expression; body awareness... and just having some good fun! 

 So I chose a story that provided a guided opportunity for the Little One there - Pete the Cat and the Cool Cat Boogie. The story was also a good one which told the tale of Pete the Cat being called out on his dance steps till Wise Old Owl comforted him saying that it did not matter as long as he enjoyed his music and movement. It was quite the message for the day with this little one as well.

I loved it that there were dance steps indicated at the end of the story too. The Little One enjoyed the story and when we got to the part where there were suggested the dance steps, the Little One looked at it and read it out. I started up a little groove on the keyboard when she suddenly got up and beckoned me to do it. So I said," No... I have to play the music."

Little One replied, " No need. You have to do (the dance)!"
Me, " All right.. but I don't know the steps. Are you going to do it for me first?"
Little One quipped, " No. You are going to do it for you first."

That was not quite I expected. Anyhow, I tried miserably and she looked at me and said, “No.. you step right and shake.” She tried directing me without actually doing it and realized that I was doing the mirror image of her which meant her right was my left. Slightly befuddled, she came and guided me from behind like a puppeteer.

Incidentally that meant she had to move in sync with me and it was a major score for us for moving in music. She laughed throughout the whole episode and ended the session with good advice, “You have to practice everyday!” 

Hmmm.. I hope that you do as you say little one! :)