The Georgia Early Learning Standards Activity Guides may - gapitc

Personal relationships
with adults
Activities and Strategies
for Development
Musical Laps
Play this version of “musical chairs” with one, two, or three young toddlers.
Sit on a carpeted area with your legs crossed at the knee creating a “lap.”
Have a CD or tape player with lively music within easy reach.
Turn on the music and invite the children to dance and move freely while you
remain seated.
When the music stops, motion for one child to come sit on your lap.
When the child sits, give her a gentle hug and then help her to her feet.
Turn the music on again for children to move freely.
Stop the music again and pick another child to sit on your lap.
Repeat until each child has had a turn to sit in your lap and receive a hug.
Do not be surprised if all the toddlers end up in your lap at once!
Read My Lips!
Sit with a small group at circle time.
Special Needs Tip
Children who are unable to stand and dance to the music can be
encouraged to move their hands, arms, and head to the music’s
rhythm. When the music stops, gently lift the child to your lap
and give him a hug.
Sing the song, “If you’re happy and you know it, smile like this” (make an
exaggerated smile on your face.)
Ask the children to show you their smiling faces.
Point out how their lips go up when they smile.
Have the children feel their own faces and how their lips go up.
Say to the children, “Leon said ‘thank you.’ That made me smile—my face looked
like this (smile).” “Rochele put her blocks away. That made me smile—my face
looked like this (smile).”
Find times throughout the day to show a smiling face and expression of approval
when you “catch children doing something good!”
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