General Strategies: Routines and Transitions
Routines such as an opening/greeting circle and transitions that take place in changing from one space or activity to another provide opportunities for music, movement, and dramatic activities. For example, the opening routine could include short games such as inviting children to take turns naming a movement that starts with the first letter of a childs name, like “jump with John” or “step high with Sally.” Some teachers do a series of “good-morning yoga” poses that emphasize stretching, bending, and breathing (Orlowski & Hart, 2010). Children can pantomime the weather report for the day or do favorite finger plays/poems that include body movements and creative expression, such as “Going on a Bear Hunt.” There are many online websites that offer downloadable childrens exercise music for purchase and some for free, including .