Enjoy a BugDance with your toddler! It’s a bug-inspired way to burn a few calories and build a few muscles. You’ll need two things to start:
- Download these adorable bug-themed movement cards from the blog, www.oopseydaisyblog.com. This link will direct you to the “I is for Insects” booklet, a downloadable treasure trove of bug activities created by Alison, author of the blog. For the BugDance party, you’ll only need to print the “Bug Action Cards” that begin on page 32 of the document.
These eleven adorable cards can be used to encourage fun gross motor movement. Here’s a secondary link in case that one doesn’t work for you
- Grab your laptop or other device and visit iTunes or YouTube to find a version of the song, “There ‘Aint No Bugs On Me.” I like the David Grisman and Jerry Garcia version posted on YouTube by Garcia himself. *Be aware that there is one instance of “profanity” at the close of this version.
Do The BugDance
With your cards and your music prepared, you are all set for a BugDance. Simply draw a card from the stack and move to the music the way your selected bug would. Slide, flutter and jump to the rhythm, changing cards as often as desired.
Gross Motor Skills and Why They Are Important
CHILD DEVELOPMENT HINT:
Gross motor skills include the child’s ability to use the larger, stronger muscle groups in her body. Beginning with a baby’s ability to hold her head up, and developing into her ability to crawl, walk, run, jump, skip and hop, gross motor skills develop naturally as a healthy child moves and plays in ways that are engaging for her.Don’t let the fact that your child’s gross motor skills are still developing get in the way of having fun. Find ways to modify or simplify the movement if needed. Moving to the music will also help your child develop a sense of rhythm.
If you are concerned that your child’s srength, muscle tone, or coordination is more limited than it should be, talk with your pediatrician or healthcare provider. He can help rule out dyspraxia or other conditions that can be addressed more effectively with early intervention.
There are lots of fun ideas for creating activities that help develop gross motor skills. Here are a few to try:
http://codenamemama.com/2011/08/11/gross-motor-games/
