Clownin' Around

Today, was an awesome day at my elementary school.  I never thought I would enjoy a Circus theme, but I loved it!  During a typical session, I begin with hello, warm-up, and song of the month. After which, follows the circus fun!

Wimoweh (The Lion Sleeps Tonight) Laurie Berkner
goal: to improve impulse control
Materials: sand blocks (or any instrument of choice)
What to do:  The point of this activity is for the students to WAIT!  So, begin with passing out the instrument and demonstrating how to play.  I always make up some random ditty in my head to encourage the students to play.  Then "1, 2, 3 STOP"  The instruments then have to be placed on the floor.  The students wait until they are instructed to pick the sand blocks up. So on and so forth.  Next add the music!
The song begins with the lion sleeping, so have the students "sleep."  When the "wimoweh" part begins, pick up the sand blocks and play, play, play! When the verses start, "sleepy lions".

Parachute: Song: The man on the flying trapeze
goal: to improve fine motor skills
Parachutes are a great way to get the kids moving but also to give them some sensory input. Put a bean bag, balloon, or doll in the parachute and encourage the students to move the parachute up and down throwing the prop in the air!

Tightrope: Song: Entrance of the Gladiators
You'll need a balance beam ( I borrowed mine from the Adaptive PE teacher)
Turn the music on!  Allow each kiddo to walk across the beam, two times (down and back)
This is actually something they do in Special Olympics.

Laughter: Song: Everybody Laughs in the Same Language
Goal: to improve speech sounds
You'll need a microphone (real or toy)
This activity is very simple!  Turn the music on and allow each students to make the "Ha, He, or Ho" sound from the song....
as an added encouragement, try this

Happy Singing! God bless!