Walking, running, hopping, skipping...
We all know that moving to music can be lots of fun. It can also be a great way to burn off energy (which kids seem to have in truckloads).
Here are a few of my favourite walking songs. But of course, you don't need to stick with plain old walking. Add some of these new challenges as your child masters the basics.
walking backwards or sideways
walking on tippy toes, on your heels or on the sides of your feet
running
jumping
hopping
skipping or galloping
balance along a wall
stretch out a piece of string and walk heel-to-toe along the string
avoid the cracks when walking on a footpath or in a shopping centre
littlies can walk behind a trolley or holding your hands
“WALK DANIEL
Walk Daniel, walk Daniel
Walk Daniel, walk Daniel
The other way, Daniel
The other way, Daniel”
“WALK ALL AROUND KIDS
Walk all around kids
Walk all around
Eat soda crackers
Walk all around”
“LET’S GO WALKING
Let’s go walking, walking, walking
Let’s go walking, far, far away
Let’s walk back again, back again, back again
Let’s walk back again, back the same way”
Don't expect preschoolers to keep in time with the music when they walk, run, hop or skip. They probably won't be developmentally ready to do that until they are at least 7 years old but they WILL refine their gross motor skills all while experiencing the joy of moving to music (which will only be amplified if you join in the fun too).
