The Washing Machine Dance
Children dance like clothes inside a washing machine: they get wet, spin slowly, spin fast and finally hang out to dry. It works on turning and changing speed.
How to play
- The teacher explains that everyone is a dirty sock or T-shirt going into the washer; children crouch in their spot and "get wet" by shaking to the music (1 min).
- Gentle wash: to calm music they turn slowly in place, switching direction when the teacher says "Other way!" (1 min).
- Rinse: they rise and sink as if the water were rocking them, up on tiptoes and down low (1 min).
- Spin cycle!: to fast music they spin lightly in place with loose arms, and when the music stops they freeze so they don't get dizzy (2 min).
- Hang the laundry: they stand with arms out as if hanging on a line and sway very gently in the breeze (1 min).
Rules
- I turn in my own spot, not around the room.
- When the music stops, I stop and wait.
- If I feel dizzy, I sit down for a moment.
- My arms stay loose, no hitting.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, the spin cycle is just a few seconds, and the teacher spins with them.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, alternate spin direction and add the up-and-down rinse.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the teacher just calls the cycle out loud ("wash, rinse, spin") without modeling, and they remember the moves.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the child turns the trunk and arms from the chair, or the teacher slowly turns the wheelchair if the child asks.
- Autism: show a picture sequence of the four steps and give a heads-up before the spin cycle.
- Visual impairment: spin near the teacher in a clear space with short turns, holding a hand if they like.
Learning goals
- Turn in place while keeping balance.
- Change speed with the music.
- Warm up by following a simple sequence.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Music
Teacher tip
Keep fast spins short and always end with a stop; dizziness comes sooner than you think. Leave plenty of space between children.
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