The Melodies in Motion Curriculum for Preschoolers

7 Step Class Curriculum! - Simply follow the numbers to teach the class.  ​

This Little Bird

Art Activity
Paper Beach Theme
- Have kids paint beach picture.
- Paint glue onto picture where beach would be.
- Sprinkle sand onto beach glue area!
- Let dry.

Life Readiness Lessons:
Body Control, Self-control, Patience

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Inspired by the seagulls who sit so still on the beaches
of Lake Michigan even during the worst storms, this
slow-moving song about a little bird teaches
the Sit So Still lesson in a story like fashion
with lots of alliterations to help children practice self-control,
good posture, balance, and keeping calm and
centered in life, no matter what storms rage around them.
​
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Melody MOTTO:

Let's Sit Like the Little Bird!

1. Circle Time
​Introduce the Melody MOTTO

​• Talk to kids about lesson. Use these CURIOUS QUESTIONS:
Do you know how to Sit So Still?
 
Sitting still is hard! Our bodies are meant to move around, especially at this young age.
 
But, sometimes running around can be chaotic. So sometimes we need to slow down. If we are running too fast, too much, we can pretend to Sit Like the Little Bird. to help us Sit so Still!
 
That’s The Melody MOTTO for This Little Bird song!

2. Play audio and listen together

• Have kids close their eyes and listen to this short audio.
• Listen to Life Readiness Lesson Audio.

3. Discuss Life Readiness Lesson
    with kids!

• CURIOUS QUESTIONS to ask kids:
​MOTTO
Can you Sit Still actively?
 
PROBLEM
Nervous Energy
Can you think of someone or something that runs around all the time? Do they bump into things or make other people nervous? Do you?
 
SOLUTION
Sit Still Actively
If you needed some slow down time, how do you think you could Sit Like the Little Bird actively?
 
Can you show me?
 
IMAGINE USING LIFE READY TOOL
What does your body feel like to Sit So Still actively?
 
FEEL AFTER 
How do you feel now?

4. Dance the Melodies in Motion!

• 1. Watch the INTRO video to see what moves you will be doing!
• 2, Then watch the the full Melodies in Motion video.
• 3. Teacher dance with the video in background. (Kids may join in.)
• 4. Everyone dance! 
  *Repeat if you wish.

* The Motions are suggestions that tell a story and introduce basic Yoga standing poses and sign language to students. BUT KIDS CAN DANCE HOWEVER THEY WISH! Just have them start and come back to same place and, of course, respect other's space. 

Song Lyrics ​    • This Little Bird
1. INTRO VIDEO
2. The Melodies in Motion - FULL VIDEO
This Little Bird

5. Color Worksheets

Choose (or do both!)
     •  Life Readiness Lesson Worksheet.
         Leading questions to ask as kids as they color:
        - There are many different ways to sit.
        - What is your favorite way?
        - Can you sit still actively?
             
     •  Matching Game. 
         - Color, cut out, and play the matching game!
​

6. Listen to Guided Relaxation

IF YOU HAVE TIME:
​     •  Have kids lay down and close their eyes for a quiet time.
     •  Play the Guided Relaxation Audio! 
     •  Listen!
     •  Discuss in circle time what ideas or thoughts they had from the relaxation!

7. Take Home Coloring Page 

If there is time, or need to keep kids busy while waiting for next class, here is another coloring page with the song illustration and Melody Motto.
*They can also take it home to color it and remember all the good things from today!
​
     • Melody MOTTO coloring page 

​For the Classroom

Picture
CLASSROOM MOTTO FLIER
Hang the Classroom Motto flier on the wall to remind kids and parents what Life Readiness Lesson you are learning today!
     •  This Little Bird
     
 Picture
​​HEART'S HOME BASE
For the Melodies in Motion dance time you can create a heart (or color this page) for each child so that they start and come back to the same place. A yoga mat, pillow, or towel can also be used. 

HEART'S HOME - OPTIONAL COLORING PAGE 
​• My Heart's Home Base for The Melodies in Motion dances
(Can also use felt, fabric, etc. to make the heart!)