There is something really cute about a child who sings and dances.
Every time I run a story time I always include an “active song” like “Shake
Your Sillies Out” or the “Hokey Pokey”. I love watching little ones get excited
about the movements and sing the songs on their way out of the door. The great
thing about song and dance is that it can be done anytime, anywhere.
Song and dance teach rhythm, but more importantly they teach children
to be creative and active. Toddlers at the library rarely know their right foot
or left hand, but they DO know foot and hand so it is fun for them to try and
balance and turn themselves around. It gives them a sense of confidence when
parents and caregivers look silly along with them. I dance my sillies out all
the time and I make up songs about every part of my child’s day. We sing about
breakfast, about the errands we will do, what we will eat for lunch, naptime,
playdates, bedtime, etc. I have been singing those songs since my oldest was
born. It was amazing to see how my baby anticipated meals based on my singing,
knew when we were getting ready to go outside (maybe that is because of the
coat?) and was aware of bath time and bed time. Now that my son is older he
sings with me the same ridiculous songs and we sing them to my ten month old. She
also anticipates her daily routine and I firmly believe that singing (one of my
favorites is “It’s feeding time, it’s feeding time, it’s feeding time, it’s
feeding time) puts my daughter at ease because she knows a bottle is on the
way. Try it out for yourself!
As for the dance, I say go where the music takes you! You don’t need
kid songs to get your children on their feet, they will love any music you
encourage. I love hearing my son say “I am clapping to the music” when we are
listening to the radio in the car. I love when he sings the songs he learns
from “Little Einsteins” and all of the theme songs he hears consistently. We all
just smile and do our own version of the “Hot Dog Dance”. Give it a try – grab your
little one and dance dance!
