Introduction
There seems to be an almost magical link between imagination and physical movement. Once children see the point of moving around and are inspired to get those bodies jigging around, then there’s no stopping them!
Moving and using their imagination is great for your child’s personal, social and emotional development - e.g. it helps them to build confidence, self-esteem and independence.
It is also great on a creative level as they let their imagination run wild. But how can grown-ups get that imagination firing on all cylinders in the first place?
How CBeebies can help
Inspirational help is at hand in the form of CBeebies shows such as Small Potatoes (a band of four singing potatoes who travel the world making music and making friends).
Shows such as LazyTown are packed with action - it is almost impossible for young children to resist the opportunity to get up and move and groove along.
Why not go online and watch and listen to ‘Mimi's Ballet Class’, which is in the ‘Story Time’ section of the Poetry Pie pages. This fun poem about a dancing cow can be used as a springboard for games at home which involve both movement and imagination.
How to make a magic moment
Here’s a recipe for a magical movement moment:
- Take one super-imaginative game - ‘Follow my Leader’ (can be played indoors or outdoors).
- Add a sense of humour by showing your child funny ways you can move.
- Encourage your child to imitate what are you doing – run fast, walk slow, gallop like a horse, shuffle along like an elephant, flap like a duck.
- Take turns leading.
- Use your imagination and encourage their imagination as you both think of more different and funny ways to move.
- Rest and burst into laughter!
