Shake It

Physical games that involve movement support vocabulary development and body part recognition while keeping toddlers engaged and entertained.

• Framework: IPC
• Unit: All About Me
• Learning area: Physical Development and Motor Skills
• Level: Levels 1-3

Objectives

• Name and move different body parts
• Follow movement-based instructions

Materials

• Open space

Instructions

Materials

- Empty plastic bottles with secure lids

- Dried beans, rice, and small plastic beads

- Strong masking tape or duct tape

- Construction paper and markers

- Music player with upbeat, rhythmic songs

Learning Objectives

- Demonstrate rhythmic movement by shaking instruments in time with music.

- Develop fine motor skills by filling containers with small objects.

- Express personal identity through decorating individual instruments.

- Follow multi-step directions to construct a functional tool.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather the children in a circle and demonstrate how a shaker makes sound. Shake one rhythmically to the beat of a song.

2. Distribute one empty bottle to each child.

3. Provide small bowls of filler materials like beans or beads. Encourage children to use their fingers to place materials into the bottles.

4. Assist children in securing the lids tightly. Use masking tape to seal the caps permanently for safety.

5. Provide markers and paper so children can decorate their bottles to represent themselves. Ask them to choose colors or shapes that they like.

6. Play a song with a clear, steady beat. Model shaking the instrument high, low, fast, and slow.

7. Invite the children to stand and move their bodies while shaking their instruments to the rhythm.

8. Transition to a cool-down period by playing slower music and asking children to shake their instruments very softly.

Educator Tip

If children struggle with the fine motor task of filling the bottles, provide small funnels to reduce frustration. To extend the activity, ask children to identify which filler material creates the loudest or quietest sound, introducing basic concepts of volume and pitch.

Assessment

- Observe if the child can maintain a steady rhythm while shaking the instrument.

- Note the ability of the child to follow the sequence of filling, sealing, and decorating the bottle.

- Record whether the child can adjust their movement speed to match the tempo of the music.

Educator tip

Integrate vocabulary words while modeling movements to reinforce comprehension.

Assessment

Observe the child's ability to follow instructions and accurately identify and move body parts.

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• My Head
• Sunflower Babies
• Me Doll
• Chicken Soup
• Nibbling Hands and Feet
• My Feelings
• Teach Me Technology II