A primary need of young children is the ability to express themselves through movement. Fundamental movement development occurs in children between the ages of two and seven, which means our Kindermusik kids! During this time, locomotor (e.g., creeping, running, or leaping), non-locomotor (e.g., stretching, twisting, or shaking), and stability and balance skills are able to flourish when children are provided with sufficient practice opportunities. (Gallahue, 1982)
Ideas for parents: Children are naturally on the move most all of the time. You can help focus their movement “practice” by encouraging them to dance along with some favorite music and suggesting that they try different ways to move. Or play a game where you call out a movement word (like creep, run, tiptoe, or slide). Your child gets to move (creep, run, tiptoe, slide, etc.) until you say “Now let’s stop!” Not only will their movement development be enhanced, but you’ll also help contribute to their creative self-expression, language development, and self-control!
– Contributed by Theresa Case, whose Greenville, SC program, Kindermusik at Piano Central Studios, is proudly among the top 1% of Kindermusik programs worldwide.
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Minds On Music – The Kindermusik Blog
For three generations, Kindermusik has helped millions of children around the world build a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning.