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How To Teach Self-Regulation Through Dance in Early Childhood!

Updated: Mar 22



Self-Regulation. Parents and early educators have been hearing that phrase a lot lately. Kids seem to need more of it.


How about impulse control? Children aren't born with it but they need to develop it throughout their earliest years.



Here is an easy and fun way to help them. At early childhood rocks!, we've created an activity called Family Dance Party. It can be done at home or at school in your PJ's or your favorite comfy clothing. It's aerobic, it encourages body control, listening, and active learning. Plus it's fun for all ages!


Why should you try it?

 

  • better mood

  • increased metabolism

  • learning, mind-body connection

  • Self-regulation

  • co-regulation

  • better sleep    

  • togetherness

  • fun

​

We chose songs that vary from a little bit of structure and listening to some crazy free-form movements. If you have Spotify you can tune into our playlist here. Otherwise, the songs are listed below. The first song and all songs by Jim Gill explain the movements in the lyrics so you have to listen.


  1. Jump Up Turn Around by Jim Gill

  2. Fly Through the Sky byThe Wiggles spread arms out and fly around the room

  3. Silly Dance Contest by Jim Gill

  4. The Tempo Marches On by Jim Gill

  5. I Got You (I Feel Good) by Sugar Beats act out excitement

  6. Wild Things by Sugar Beats act like a wild animal, have fun!

  7. Stick To The Glue by Jim Gill

  8. Shout by Sugar Beats get your hands up and keep them there!

  9. List of Dances by Jim Gill make a list for all to see and point to the name as you do the dance

  10. Fee Fi Fo Fum by Ralph's World free-style dance

  11. Tick Tock Little Yoga Clock by Karma Kids you can sit down for this one if you want


Note: it doesn't help if you put the list on and walk away. Have fun with it. Be silly and laugh. Children do learn by example!

Want more great ideas for kids like what to do when they tattle, won't clean up or fight with each other? Join our community. it's free and you immediately get a copy of Magic Words.



Nanci J Bradley is an early childhood and family educator, author, teacher, family aerobics instructor, and an all-around fun-loving person. She believes in the power of sleep, healthy eating, lifelong learning, and most of all, PLAY!  She studied early childhood ed at Triton College and received her BS in education in 1986 from NIU. She received her MA in human dev from Pacific Oaks College in 2011. She lives and teaches in Madison WI and is the founder of early childhood rocks, a non-profit org dedicated to creating change through early childhood education.



 
 
 

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