From our time in the classroom, we know that songs and gestures together absolutely assist learning.
Songs allow students to feel the language, and gestures and movement help them make sense of it.
Kids learn more quickly and retain the knowledge longer when they sing and move together.
Here are a few tips on using gestures and movement together with songs to foster language development.
Many traditional childrens songs are not created with movement in mind.
When searching for songs, look for terms like music and movement or interactive music.
Have a listen to some of the songs and imagine how you would move with them.
Some of our favorite artists you might want to check out areSue Schnitzer,Laurie Berkner, andDr.
Using gestures helps students internalize the language.
You might need to help, but do it together.
Keep the gestures simple and concise.
Then follow up by showing the cards and having the students name it and do the gesture.
Last, do the gesture and have the students name it!
Youre all ready to sing!
Cant think of a gesture to use with the song?
There are a lot of great resources available to help you.
There just may be some classroom videos that are perfect for your situation.
Just search for the song you are using.
Another great place to look for help is a sign language site.
We really like the siteSigning Savvy.
Remember that you dont need to attempt to make gestures for everything.
When doing gestures with songs with very young learners, too many gestures will confuse and frustrate the students.
Identify key words and create gestures for those.
Here are gesture suggestions for Goodbye, Snowman from Super Simple Songs.
Of course, feel free to make up your own!
Make a C shape with your right hand.
Happy holidaysIndicate happy by smiling and pointing to your cheeks.
ReindeerWith your hands open wide, put your thumbs on your forehead to indicate antlers.
SantaPat your big, round tummy!
SnowmanPut your hands on your hips with your elbows our wide, making one circle.
Bend your knees outward, making another circle with your legs.
Now watch the video and sing along!!
Goodbye, Snowman Lyrics
Goodbye, snowman.
)Goodbye, reindeer.
)Goodbye, Santa.
(Happy holidays gesture)
We wish you a Merry Christmas.
)We wish you a Merry Christmas.
)We wish you a Merry Christmas.Lets sing it again.
(Pretend to hold a microphone.)
Goodbye, snowman.Goodbye, reindeer.Goodbye, Santa.Happy holidays.Happy holidays!
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