Early Lit Bits: Music Minute

Fun with Scarves

Fall is a great time to incorporate scarves into music play. The flowing movement of the scarves simulates the movement of leaves floating down from the trees. Trying singing the following song together:

Autumn Leaves (to the tune of “London Bridge”)

Autumn leaves are falling down,

falling down, falling down.

Autumn leaves are falling down,

to the ground.

Red and yellow, orange and brown,

orange and brown, orange and brown.

Red and yellow, orange and brown,

on the ground.

With a scarf in each hand, children can practice swinging their arms in time to the rhythm or act out motions.

Scarves are a good way to combine music with movement.

Give children a dance challenge. Can you dance with the scarf on your head? Your knee? Continue to add body parts as children dance to the music.

Looking for good music to use with scarves? Try “Shake Your Scarves” from The Second Line: Scarf Activity Songs by Johnette Downing or “The Airplane Song” from Laurie Berkner’s Whaddaya Think of That!

— Sara M. at KDL’s Sand Lake / Nelson Township Branch

 

 

This article originally appeared in our Early Lit Bits eNewsletter. Read the most recent issue online or sign up to receive this monthly update highlighting early literacy tips and resources for parents and caregivers.