Our First Ribbon Routine
The class learns a short four-move ribbon routine (windmill, wave, spiral and bow), each shown on a picture card, and dances the whole thing to music. It builds remembering sequences, rhythm and expressing themselves as a group.
How to play
- The teacher shows the four cards: windmill (big circle at the side), wave (up and down in front), spiral (a spring going up) and bow (ribbon to the floor and a bow). We try them one by one (4 min).
- We link the first two: eight counts of windmill and eight of wave, counting aloud with the teacher (3 min).
- We link the last two: eight counts of spiral and the bow (3 min).
- We dance the whole routine to music, with the teacher holding up each card at the right moment (4 min).
- Show time: half the class dances and the other half is the audience clapping; then switch (2 min).
Rules
- Everyone in their own spot with space around them.
- We look at the card to know what's next.
- The audience claps for everyone, no matter how it goes.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use only two moves (windmill and wave), repeated, with the teacher dancing in front.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, use all four moves with cards.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, do all four moves without cards at the end and add a travel step between the wave and the spiral.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: do the routine with the arms from the wheelchair; the bow is a head nod.
- Hearing impairment: the cards signal changes and the teacher counts on their fingers.
- Autism: keep the card strip in view and give a heads-up before the show.
Learning goals
- Remember and link a sequence of moves.
- Match movement to music and counting.
- Enjoy dancing for others and being a good audience.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cintas de tela con palito: 25
- música
- tarjetas con dibujos: 4
Teacher tip
Pick music with a very clear beat and phrases of eight. Stagger children in rows so everyone can see the teacher and the cards.
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