Musical Scarves
To develop musical responsiveness and early movement expression through scarf dancing.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Expressive Arts & Design
- Learning area: Expressive Arts and Design
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Moves scarf in response to music
- Adjusts movement to tempo changes
- Shows delight in scarf movement
- Imitates adult scarf actions
Materials
- Lightweight chiffon scarves in varied colours
- Music player with varied tempo music
- Open space for movement
- Mirror to see themselves moving
Instructions
Choose music with clearly varied tempos: slow classical (Debussy, Satie) and lively folk or pop. Offer babies and toddlers a scarf each and let them discover what they can do.
Model moving the scarf to match the music: 'Slow music — my scarf floats slowly... float... float...' [move arms slowly] 'Fast music — my scarf swooshes! Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!'
Follow the child's movement ideas first. If a child waves the scarf vigorously during slow music, join their rhythm: 'You're making your scarf go fast! Fast! Fast!' Then invite contrast: 'Can it go slow? Sloooow...'
Use scarves for peek-a-boo: 'Where am I? Under the scarf! Peek-a-boo!' This familiar game with a new prop bridges comfort and creativity.
Notice babies' movement responses to music without scarves — swaying, bouncing, reaching. Then add the scarf as an extension of their existing movement vocabulary.
Position a full-length mirror so babies can watch themselves moving. Many find this captivating and sustain movement for much longer.