The preschool set has so much offered to them by way of activities, all promising one thing or another, it is hard to figure out what is best, or further more, what they would like. Creative movement is a fantastic way to engage children and get them moving.

I can tell you from years of experience both teaching and now taking my son to class, that creative movement comes out as one of the top contenders for favorite weekly activity. However, classes can be hard to find, depending on where you live. There seems to be no shortage of princess, fairytale, and tutu focused classes, however, the creative movement I am talking about does not rely on dress up or presupposed stereotypes of play-acting. Do not get me wrong, these classes are delicious for the little dumplings that love them (and believe me, my son would love these classes too!), but I am speaking of something else entirely.

Creative movement is a form of movement that embraces children of all genders, ages and abilities, including those with developmental challenges. It is a non-competitive, success-oriented activity that engages the child’s body, mind and spirit. The format of classes and activities will differ from one instructor to another, depending on each style and background, but you can be sure that music will play a large part, as well as props such as scarves or ribbon sticks, and will have a deep focus on communicating and articulating ideas through movement.

In creative movement classes children:

• Explore music through movement


• Have a positive outlet for energy


• Learn about their bodies in space and in relation to others


• Strengthen listening skills


• Foster an appreciation for the arts


• Increase self- esteem


• Deepen sensory awareness


• Work on problem solving skills


• Practice self-control

These are just a few of the wonderful benefits to creative movement classes. Talk to local dance studios or recreation centers to see if they offer these classes. If you cannot find classes, here are a few examples of the many exercises that you can do at home.

• Put on fast music and move quickly to it with your child, then change to very slow music and move slowly. Children are natural quick movers, so it is a fantastic way to broaden their movement vocabulary. Plus they giggle like crazy when it is fast again! You will be amazed at the dances they create.


• The all-popular freeze dance is a great stand-by, but see if you can shake it up. On the freeze, see if you can freeze in a small, large, or round shape. During the dancing see if they can dance in one place, or self space, and then alternate with dancing in shared space.


• Move across the room in different movement levels - low, medium, high. Change the patterns - straight, zigzag, or curvy. Play with directions: forward, backwards, sideways.

These are just a few of the ways you can add creative movement into your day, and I do encourage you to consider creative movement classes as the first classes for preschoolers. If you have any questions about this, please share them here, as well as any ideas that have worked for you in getting your kids moving creatively!