Developmental Notes: Wiggles & Giggles Week 4

Lullaby: The life of a toddler involves the constant emotional struggle between dependence and independence. The turbulence of these years can be difficult for both the child and the adult. The lullaby contains lyrical expressive qualities that have the capability to calm some of these feelings. Fundamental to all cultures, singing lullabies to a child can provide security, warmth, and comfort.

Movement and Learning: Movement is the key to learning! Our brains fully develop through movement activities such as crawling, rolling, turning, walking, skipping, reaching, swinging and much more! The brain has a lan for development that involves specific and intensive motor activities to make full use of our complicated nervous system.

Ensemble Development: Many children ages 1 1/2 through 3 years have a well-developed sense of their own internal steady beat. Sneak a look around the corner at a child and watch him beat on the floor as he is playing or banging on pots and pans with a steady beat. Once this internal steady beat is secured, children are then ready for experiences in which they are invited to match the steady beat of an external sound source. Matching this external steady beat through movement is a fundamental ensemble skill.