Concentration
Toddlers independently practice movements coordinated with the words of a song.
Be Prepared: This activity is designed for toddlers who are familiar with the words and movements for several verses of the song “Wheels on the Bus,” so they can participate with minimal prompting or demonstration. Become familiar with the words and movements of up to four verses of the song “Wheels on the Bus.” One resource is the book suggested in Optional Reading.
Invite several toddlers to sing a song about a bus. Show the picture of the school bus and remind toddlers of parts of a bus included in the song, including wheels, horn, and doors. Introduce the song and invite toddlers to sing and do the accompanying movements with you. Sing clearly and slowly, smiling at each of the toddlers. Encourage toddlers to sing the words and move their bodies along with each verse of the song. You may wish to sing up to four verses if toddlers are enjoying the activity.
The three options gradually increase the challenge of coordinating physical movements and words to a song. The first and second options promote skill in paying attention, and the third option adds the task of recalling both actions and movements. In the first two options, look at how children watch your actions. You may wish to describe specifics of an action if you notice puzzled faces. In the third option, look at the ease with which children engage in singing and coordinating the appropriate movement. Toddlers who are new to the song may be more successful starting with the first option. Keep in mind that many toddlers are relatively new to the task of doing an action in coordination with a word. Some may do the motion but not say the word, whereas others may say the words but not do an action. Positively acknowledge all levels of participation.
Extra support
Enrichment
Materials Needed: dollhouse, toy school bus, people figures
Invite several toddlers to play with the dollhouse and school bus. Invite toddlers to incorporate the school bus into their dollhouse play. Talk with toddlers about their experiences with seeing or riding on a bus. Encourage toddlers to explore the bus and talk with them about how the wheels go around, the doors open and close, and the people get on and off.
Participating in song and movement activities is enjoyable for children of all ages. Infants will enjoy watching and being part of the group. Guide children in a song game of your choice. Add more sections or lines as children are ready. Older children may enjoy leading the song game and thinking of new verses or movements for the group to try.