
The Significance of Creative Movement for Kids
Creative movement for preschoolers and children of all ages!
Creative movement is movement that reflects the inner state of a child. In creative movement, children are free to express their own personalities, style, thoughts, and feelings. Creative movement encourages children to act on what they are learning and express their individuality.
Children of all ages can enjoy creative movement.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of creative movement and how to incorporate it into a child’s day.
Benefits of Creative Movement
There are many benefits to using creative movement with children. These benefits vary depending on the activity and age of the child. Some benefits of creative movement include:
- Helps children develop body control
- Children gain coordination and balance through varied movements
- Children are able to respond to music and rhythm
- Encourages children to express their creativity in physical ways
- Children learn that movement can communicate actions and ideas
- Gives children a different way of expressing themselves, especially if it is difficult for them to articulate what they are communicating
- Encourages participation
- Allows for exploration of cause and effect
- Develops listening skills
- Encourage social skills
Ideas for Incorporating Creative Movement
Creative movement can be used in most settings for children of all ages (starting at about 12 months, once children have more control of their movements). That means that any adult interacting with a child can encourage creative movement, including parents and caregivers at home and teachers in the classroom. Some ways creative movement can be incorporated throughout the day:
- Answering questions
- Encourage children to respond to a question by using movement if they prefer (ex: “What did you do at art today? Can you show me?” or “How did the hungry caterpillar feel after eating all that food?”)
- Transition and routines
- Creative movement through song and chants can be a perfect way for children to change activities and remain engaged (ex: clean up time, greeting hello or goodbye, circle time, bath time, etc.)
- Song and dance
- Moving as a response to stories or poetry
- Games
The next time you are working with a child, look for ways to incorporate creative movement into your time together. It will make your time more fun and surely benefit the child.
If you’re interested in using creative movement and other elements to enhance your circle time, check out this great training!
References
Circle Time by Texas Childcare Training