Pool Noodles

Beforehand Preparation

Cut pool noodles in half lengthwise, then cut them into 5 to 6 -inch lengths crosswise.  You are preparing enough pool noodles for every child to have one for each hand.

Plan a pattern to the steady beat for the song you will be teaching. If the song is gentle, do slower gentle movements.  If the song is a strong beat, use strong movements.  Choose between tapping on the lap, clapping them together, swishing them together overhead, in front or side to side.  You can also cross tap to one shoulder then the other.

Activity

Ask the children to pretend to hold pool noodle in their hands and follow your pattern as you sing. Sing the song and do the pattern.  Pass out the pool noodles to the children.  Sing the song again doing the pattern with the pool noodles.

Extender

Younger turn a different way like to the back or side and do the pattern again.

Older add in a new, more complicated movement or a partner movement like tapping across.