Winter Movement Songs
Winter is a great time to do movement songs outdoors. Movement songs help children warm up on a cold winter day. I recommend not showing the children the video of the song, but just listening to the song and doing the movements. I also have a Spotify Playlist of these songs.
“Where Is Hibernating Bear?” Tune of “Where Is Thumb-kin
Where is bear x2 (children are curled up sleeping)
Here I am. x2 (children pop up)
How are you this winter? x2 (bear walk)
Very tired I thank you. x2 (yawn)
Go to sleep (children curl back up sleeping)
“Snowflakes” Kathy Reid-Naiman
Children can pretend to be snowflakes and dance around. Or they can use scarves to pretend the scarf is a snowflake. Works on control and moving slowly.
"Dance, Freeze, Melt” Mr. Eric and Mr. Michael
By the count of eight children go through dancing, freezing and melting. Melting the body gives children the chance to feel what it is like to relax the body.
Jingle Bells
Jingle Bells are a great winter instrument, and don’t necessarily have anything to do with Christmas. The song “Jingle Bells” is about people riding in a sleigh that is pulled by a horse, during the winter time. The horse has bells on its harness.
Jingle Bells (just the chorus)
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way.
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh, Hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way.
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh.
Jingle Bell Log Activity:
Have he children sit in line along a log, each of them holding jingle bells. They should all face the same direction. Describe to them the horse that is pulling the sleigh, and how there are jingle bells on the horses harness.
Sing “Jingle Bells” while shaking the bells for the first time at a normal tempo.
Tell the children “the horse is trotting faster.” Sing the song fast, shaking the bells fast.
Tell the children “the horse is getting tired.” Sing the song slowly and shake the bells slowly.
Sing at a normal tempo as the horse pulls into the barn.
“Sleigh Ride” The Ronettes
Freeze Dance Activity: Have children dance while holding jingle bells. Pause the music at different times for a freeze dance.
“Jingle Bell Rock” Bobby Helms
Passing Bells Activity: Have children stand in a circle. Pass around jingle bells to the music. Start with one set passing and then add more.
“Did You Ever See A Penguin” Kidboomers
Penguin walk - heels together, keep elbows straight to make flippers.
