Changing Radio Stations
The teacher is a radio that keeps changing stations: gentle classical, drums, a march, a lullaby or something really fast. Children change how they dance as soon as the music changes, without copying anyone, practicing listening and adapting movement.
How to play
- The teacher shows the "radio" (the music player) and plays a snippet of each station; together we say if it sounds sweet, strong, happy or sleepy (2 min).
- Round one: the teacher changes the music often and children dance however each piece makes them feel, moving freely around the space (3 min).
- "Static!": the teacher cuts the music with a "kshhhh" sound and everyone freezes, trembling a little, until the next station (2 min).
- Stations with a hint: the teacher adds a clue ("Classical, dance with your arms"; "Drums, with your feet"; "March, with your knees") (3 min).
- Kids change the station: taking turns, a child pretends to turn the dial and the teacher switches the music (3 min).
- Goodnight station: the lullaby plays and the dance ends lying down (1 min).
Rules
- When the music changes, my dance changes.
- I dance my own way; no need to copy.
- When there's static, I freeze.
- I dance without bumping anyone.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use only three very different stations (drums, gentle classical, lullaby), with the teacher dancing along.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, use five styles and add the static.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, add stations with body-part hints and let children change the station.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the child dances with the upper body or by moving the wheelchair, matching energy to each piece.
- Hearing impairment: each style has a colored picture card the teacher shows when switching, and the child can stand near the speaker to feel the vibration.
- Autism: preview the station list with pictures and give a heads-up before the static, which can be startling.
Learning goals
- Notice the character of different music styles.
- Adapt movement to the music.
- Create original moves without copying.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Music in different styles
Teacher tip
Prepare a playlist of 20-30 second clips in each style so you don't waste time searching. A common mistake is dancing the same way to everything, so praise out loud anyone who really changes how they move.
PatioLab has "Changing Radio Stations" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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