Using Music and Movement to Create Optimal Learning Environments for Young Children Jenny Spencer, M. Ed

Jennifer Newingham, M.Ed

Conscious Discipline® Certified Instructor Ignite Learning with Conscious Discipline LLC [email protected] Blogger at: ignitelearningllc.blogspot.com

Preschool Coordinator Brownsburg Early Childhood Center [email protected]

Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will recognize common times in the day that present the most challenging behaviors: Transitions, Group Time, Free Play. 2. Participants will identify and understand the impact of the Brain Smart Principles and how apply these principles to help manage behavior. 3. Participants will gain an understanding of how to modify current practices to include solutions that are developmentally appropriate and research based 4. Participants will learn participate in some group songs and games that will help create and re-create a more optimal learning environment throughout the day. 1

All Behavior is Communication of an Internal State Four Brain Smart® Principles: 1. The Brain is Pattern-Seeking. 2. The Best Exercise for the Brain is Exercise. 3. Connections on the outside build neural connections on the inside. 4. The brain functions optimally when we feel safe.

Executive State: Problem-Solving Skills Executive Function Need: Problem Solving in social settings

Brain Smart Starts Help Achieve an Optimal State Lower threat while helping them rise to the challenge • Activity to Unite (get us all on the same page) • Activity to Destress (relaxation strategies) • Activity to Connect (build relationships) • Activity to Commit (focus on what you want)

Emotional State: Survival State: Physical Behaviors Fight, Flight, Fool Need: Safety

Verbal Behaviors “NO”, blame, attack Need: Connection

The BEST Behavior Plan is a Good Lesson Plan! Why is planning so important? • Helps us engage our Executive Skills: Organization, Attention, Prioritization, Time Management… • Helps us focus on what we want. • Helps us ensure that the needs of individual children are being met and we are meeting our curriculum objectives.

The Brain is Pattern Seeking Road M.A.P. for Success: Model your expectations Add Visuals that guide Practice a LOT This applies to classroom routines, activities, and lesson plans! Think it through: • How will I model what is going to happen? • What visuals or concrete objects do I need to use to help me with this activity? • How will I practice this expectation so children feel successful and celebrated?

Smile, Take a Deep Breath, And Relax!

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A Troublesome Trio When it Comes to Managing Behavior: Transitions, Group Time, and Free Play Transitions: Often the biggest mistake we make with transitions is our lack of planning for it! Follow these tips for true success! • Be mindful of wait time. What will children do while they wait? Notes: • Who will you call next and what order will children take? Notes: • Be purposeful in your choices. Lots of learning objectives could be met through transitions. You can also use the movement activities to help organize the children! Notes:

Group Time: If they aren’t moving or actively engaged then they probably aren’t learning! • Consider how children will participate. Participation is key to having all children engaged in the activity. Consider your youngest and oldest child and how their needs will be met! Notes: • Be mindful of idle time and how long children are expected to sit. Notes: • Be purposeful in your choices. Learning objectives can be embedded in activities that are interesting and engaging for children. This creates a more natural learning environment while also meeting the needs of children. Notes:

Free Play: Harness the power of music! The activities you plan during group lessons can enhance a child’s skills during free plan and teach them the social skills necessary to solve problems and engage appropriately with the materials in the area. • Use songs that help children experience extremes: fast/slow, loud/quiet, stop/go. Pair your high energy songs with “wait” songs. Notes: • Use songs that teach self-regulation and help children understand their emotions such as “The STAR Song” by Dr. Becky Bailey. Relaxation strategies can help! Be a STAR! • Use songs and activities that help children build relationships with one another and with adults.

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