Everything in the universe has a rhythm, everything dances.
– Maya Angelou

An online article, “Easy Ways to Support Social-Emotional Learning with Music,” by Lauren Guilmartin, was recently posted on the Exchange website. Guilmartin writes that children can gain many social-emotional skills through music, including increased self-confidence. She explains:

“Many children’s songs are great substitution songs, where the lyrics can be changed to reflect new ideas. Experiencing the whole class using their idea for a new word, movement, or sound, can be profoundly validating and empowering for a young child, which supports their developing self-confidence and leadership skills.

Some substitution songs you can use:

“One Little Owl,” Music Together Family Favorites 1

• Children can choose an animal to put in the tree, and, depending on their age, also provide a movement and sound that reflect how that animal moves and sounds.

“We Are the Dinosaurs,” The Laurie Berkner Band

• Children can suggest other things the dinosaurs can do.

“Wiggle,” Music Together Family Favorites 2

The Exchange Out of the Box Training, “Nurturing Creativity in Children” helps educators explore the many benefits of supporting children’s creative expression, and provides useful ideas and encouragement.