We had a lot of fun at our toddler dance party this morning. It’s so interesting to see what kids do – some come in ready to dance, others take a while to warm up, but end up dancing in the end. Our program lasted about 45 minutes with some families leaving around the 30 minute mark, while others kept dancing right up to the end! We ended up with about 15 toddlers and their caregivers. If only I could get more of the caregivers to dance with us, some of the kids would have been more willing to dance as well. I specifically set up my room without chairs and they still pull chairs down from the stack to sit on. Regardless, I pointed out that music, singing and dancing is helpful to kids to learn phonological awareness, vocabulary, and math skills as music creates great beats. I also had to remind a few parents that the kids can experience the music however they want – running in circles, playing with the instruments, dancing by themselves or with their caregivers. There’s no “right” way to dance, the goal is just to have fun! Song: “Oh Hey Oh Hi Hello” Artist: Jim Gill CD Title: Jim Gill Makes IT Noisy in Boise Idaho Song: “If You’re Happy and You Know It” Artist: Big Kidz Band CD Title: Indian Elephant Tea Song: “Rock-A-Bye Your Bear” Artist: The Wiggles CD Title: Magical Adventures Bonus CD Special Instruction: Small teddy bears for each child Song: “No More Monkeys” Artist: Asheba CD Title: Putumayo Kids Presents: Animal Playground Special Instruction: Jingle Bells for each child Song: “Rock and Roll Freeze Dance” Artist: Hap Palmer CD Title: So Big Song: “Sing-a-Move-a-Dance” Artist: Colleen and Uncle Squaty CD Title: Sing-A-Move-A-Dance STORY BREAK – Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae Song: “Clap Your Hands” Artist: They Might Be Giants CD Title: NO! Song: “Animal Crackers” Artist: Wee Hairy Beasties CD Title: Putumayo Kids Presents – Animal Playground Song: “We Are the Dinosaurs” Artist: Laurie Berkner CD Title: The Best of the Laurie Berkner Band Special Instruction: Rhythm sticks for each child Song: “Drivin’ in My Car” Artist: CD Title: Ralph’s World Song: “Ants in My Pants” Artist: Gunnar Madsen CD Title: Ants in My Pants Special Instruction: Shaker eggs for each child Song: “The Tempo Marches On” Artist: Jim Gill CD Title: Jim Gill Sings Do Re Mi on Toe Leg Knee Song: “Go Crazy Remix” Artist: Weird Science CD Title: Yo Gabba Gabba: Music Is Awesome! Special Instruction: Children’s choice!