Bill Janiak – Page 33 – WeLearnByDoing

Shape Stomp and Free Dance

Shape Stomp

Draw shapes on a sheet of paper like a square, triangle, circle, etc, and color the shapes using different colors. Lay the sheets around the floor in an open space. Tell the children that you are going to select one child to stomp on as many shapes as the class counts each jump, while music is played for about 30 seconds. Ask the child which shape he or she stomped on more than any other shape.

Free Dance

Each child does their own thing and is able to express creative movement through music. You will be surprised with gifts children have. Put on a favorite song and simply dance. By dancing children learn about spatial awareness, co-ordination, and body awareness. You have also have individual solo dances for a short period of time and then see if the children can copy that creative dance.

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What are the Goals Achieved Through Music?

What Kind of Goals is Achieved Through Music?

It sets up goals according to the group and/or individual situation such as:

1. Develops a sense of rhythm.

2. Improves speech and language.

3. Provides an acceptable means for emotional release.

4. Improves self-confidence.

5. Trains following directions.

6. Develops self-control, increasing retention and attention spans.

7. Encourages growth in creativity and imagination.

8. Correlatesmusic with other subjects.

9. Improves coordination and motor control.

10. Strengthens self-expression.

11. Develops interpersonal communication.

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Is the Child Having a Nightmare or Night Terror?

I learned recently about the difference between a nightmare and a night terror, as I put together a workshop on "Anxieties and Fears in Children". One out of every four children between the ages of 3 and 8 experience either night terrors or night‑mares. Both of these situations can be unnerving, but are generally short‑lived.

Night terrors generally occur within an hour of falling asleep. The child awakens suddenly from a state of deep sleep in a state of panic. He or she may scream, sit up in bed, breathe quickly, and stare "glassy eyed." The child also may seem confused, disoriented, and incoherent. Each episode can last from 5 to 30 minutes. A child who experiences night terrors is not aware of any scary thoughts or dreams and is usually able to go back to sleep quickly. In the morning, he or she usually doesn't remember waking at all. Night terrors may occur for several years. Generally they go away with time and are not an indication of any underlying emotional problems.

Nightmares generally occur in the early morning hours. Children who experience nightmares can often recall the vivid details of their scary dream and may have difficulty going back to sleep. Nightmares will often center on a specific problem or life event that is troubling the child. Parents can help by remaining calm and hold the child close and talk in a soft soothing voice to comfort and reassure the child. If possible, the parent or teacher should stay close by until he or she falls asleep. Calm, consistent handling of nightmares or terrors will help the child feel safe and secure.

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What are your Strengths Dealing with Children’s Behaviors?

Just think, children spend up to 12,000 hours+ in their first five years in group childcare with a possible another 1,500 hours in before-school care, after-school care and vacation care. By not being at home, it is up to you as teachers to teach the missed opportunities and for the children to master those skills.

Now that you have the children for such a length of time, then you have those special talents to work and deal with a variety of children behaviors! What special skills do you have that have made you successful? Here are some strengths shared by teachers:

being able to connect with the children and getting on their level.
managing a classroom and building and maintaining a warm, successful learning classroom environment
listening and respecting children and developing creative plans and activities
doing hands-on activities with the children
having strong presentation skills
loving teaching and learning how to adapt
being organized and finding fun ways
ability to relate to the child
being flexible and compassionate in teaching the child
being patient
showing perseverance
doing well-planned lessons
communicating with other teachers, parents, and children
adapting a lesson at any time
knowing the objectives in a lesson plan
using the natural skills
knowing how to assess the child
being a positive role model for the children
bringing fun and excitement into the classroom
to never stop smiling
to bring the "real world" into the classroom
working one-on-one
to use voice quality and discipline correctly
to have confidence
to manage the classroom

*The more you can provide experiences that interest the children, the more likely they are to join in and the more they will enjoy the activity!

*Never forget that ALL children need to know you care about them and that they can contribute in a positive way!!