At this Grandma’s long (we never say old) years, I love that I am able to keep up with the grandchildren and do dancing and moving songs with the grandchildren and be able to teach them body parts at the same time.
My favorite moving song for this purpose is “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.” You can do this with the youngest grandbaby and make them laugh at your antics. You can do this with the toddler and preschooler, going faster and faster each time you repeat the song, until all of you fall down to the floor laughing. If you are not familar with the song, here is a youtube version.
Here are the lyrics that even grandma can memorize:
Head, shoulders, knees and toes,
Knees and toes.
Head, shoulders, knees and toes,
Knees and toes.
And eyes, and ears, and mouth,
And nose.
Head, shoulders, knees and toes,
Knees and toes.
Place both hands on parts of body as they are mentioned. On second time speed up, and get faster with each verse.
My second favorite song for this purpose is “If You Are Happy and You Know It.” The song enables you to choose anything you want to let your face know you are happy. With the older toddler and preschooler, you can let them pick what you are going to do next. If you are not familar with the song, here is a youtube version.
Here are the lyrics:
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap)
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap)
If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands. (clap clap)
If you’re happy and you know it, stomp your feet (stomp stomp)
If you’re happy and you know it, stomp your feet (stomp stomp)
If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it
If you’re happy and you know it, stomp your feet. (stomp stomp)
If you’re happy and you know it, shout “Hurray!” (hoo-ray!)
If you’re happy and you know it, shout “Hurray!” (hoo-ray!)
If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it
If you’re happy and you know it, shout “Hurray!” (hoo-ray!)
If you’re happy and you know it, do all three (clap-clap, stomp-stomp, hoo-ray!)
If you’re happy and you know it, do all three (clap-clap, stomp-stomp, hoo-ray!)
If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it
If you’re happy and you know it, do all three. (clap-clap, stomp-stomp, hoo-ray!)
Here are Grandma’s favorites for CD and DVD that are wonderful to buy and keep in grandma’s house for those days everyone is going to dance, and sing and move:
Audio:
This includes all the favorite toddler and preschooler songs.
If you are going to think of an interactive video system for a holiday present, Leap Frog and Wiii have great interactive DVDs for dance and movement:
For Leap Frog LeapTV:
Here is what Amazon says about it, given its highest rating:
*This LeapTV Educational, Active Video Game let’s you feel the beat and move those feet to nine dancing games that teach early reading skills
*Puts your child in the game with body motion for countless hours of dancing fun
*The Educator Approved game is designed by LeapFrog Learning experts for Ages 4-7
*This active learning game teaches vocabulary, phonics, alphabet, compound words, word sounds and rhymes, and sight words
*Works with LeapFrog LeapTV Educational, Active Gaming System. Internet connection may be required for programming update
Video for Wii.
If you get a Wii or the kids have Wii at home: Just Dance Kid
Here is what Amazon says, recommending it even for adults:
*Over 40 crazy fun dances created by real choreographers and led by real kids
*Younger kids will love dancing to their favorite TV shows, including The Wiggles and Yo Gabba Gabba
*Play with up to four players cooperatively, head-to-head and challenge others for the high score!
*Dance Party Mode lets kids continuously play through all the dance songs without stopping! No need to navigate menus!
*Progression tracking allows parents to log calories burnt, time played, and a playlist of their child’s favorite songs
If you are into Zumba there is a great Zumba Wii for kids.
Of course, the younger a grandma you are, the more likely that you too will reach your toes! These gives grandma a chance to exercise and move along with the grandchildren. Enjoy and
Joy,
Mema
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