1. Chapter 16 Creative Movement
The Importance of Movement Activities for Young Children
Benefits of Creative Movement
Planning Creative Movement Activities to Meet Young Children’s Needs
Adapting Creative Movement Activities for Children with Special Needs

2. The Importance of Movement Activities for Young Children
Use of large and small muscles
Motor coordination
Movement as main means of learning
Rich opportunities for development of total self
Kinesthetic ways of knowing
Understanding/negotiating the world

3. Benefits of Creative Movement
Sensory awareness—visual, auditory, tactile
Social development
Body awareness
Concentration, attention span
Personal development
Speed and retention of learning

4. Planning Creative Movement Activities
Characteristics of age group
Developmental level
Time to be creative
Use music and poetry for stimulation
Art and creative movement

5. Adapting Creative Movement Activities for Children with Special Needs
Children participate at their own level
Sense of belonging to group
Focus on what the children can do
Large motor activities are important for strength, endurance, and coordination
Integrate gross motor activities into daily schedule
Follow with quiet activities

6. ACTIVITIES
Let’s make it rain 
Follow the bubbles