This mindfulness activity encourages your child to use music and movement to express themselves, stay present in the moment, and regulate themselves.
Learning Area(s): Social and Emotional; Physical Development
MATERIALS
- music player (phone, tablet, or other device)
- slow song and fast song
LET'S PLAY
Introduce the activity to your child by saying, “Today we’re going to play a game where we dance to the same speed as the song we’re hearing. Whenever the music stops, we should ‘freeze’ where we are!”
First, play a slow song, and you and your child should dance slowly around the room. When you stop the music, you and your child should “freeze.”
Then ask, “How do you feel?” Your child might say how they’re feeling emotionally (happy, silly, excited, etc.) or physically (have them put their hand on their chest to feel if their heartbeat is fast or slow, or they can describe other feelings like tired, full of energy, etc.) at that moment.
Then switch to the faster song and dance at that song’s pace before stopping the music to “freeze” in place and asking them how they feel again.
Go back and forth between the two songs during this activity for as long as your child remains interested.
TIPS
- This activity will be easiest in a large room or open area.
- As your child gets more comfortable, you can introduce more than two songs that have different speeds. You can also introduce different songs, music genres, and movements each time you dance.
- This game can be as long or as short as you and your child want. A maximum of 10 minutes or until your child loses interest would be ideal.
- For additional mindfulness activities, go to: