Music and Movement Ribbons loved by Central Kids Mercury Bay
New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) recently shared its heart with the early childhood sector, as centres around New Zealand received a special educational gift of Music and Movement Ribbons to enjoy with the tamariki in their care.
Central Kids Mercury Bay in Whitianga was thrilled to receive their very own set, and it didn’t take long before tamariki were leaping and twirling around the room, creating bright swirls of colour as they danced along to their favourite music.
“The gorgeous ribbons have already become a much-loved resource for our tamariki to dance with and dress up in,” said head teacher, Stacey Tatton.
Music and movement is extremely important in Stacey’s centre.
“Music and movement is such fun! Our tamariki love nothing more than to get up and moving. Whether it’s the bird dance, waiata and kani kani, classical music and ballet, hip hop, or Pacific Island dance, we like to celebrate dance from many different cultures at our centre.
“We play a lot of music during the day. If it’s a very busy or particularly loud day we like to put on calming classical or guitar music which creates a soothing atmosphere. We use portable speakers to engage in storytelling to music outside, and a favourite with our tamariki is to sing and do the actions to sing-along books that have accompanying CDs. A particular favourite in our centre is the Dingle Dangle Scarecrow.”
Stacey says that it is important for young children to be exposed to music and to engage in opportunities for dance and movement, as this has positive impacts for their development and growth.
“Cognitive and physical skills, coordination, balance, memory, creativity, the refining of social skills, opportunities to have fun with others, and body awareness are but a few of the benefits children gain from engaging in music and movement. Research has shown us that music can improve a child’s ability to learn – how exciting is that!”
Central Kids Mercury Bay is looking forward to seeing many more smiles as tamariki continue to enjoy their special gift.
“On behalf of our tamariki and kaiako, we would like to extend a huge thank you to NZTC. The ribbons are just gorgeous and will be treasured by us all. We can’t wait to share in many more precious moments with our little ones as they fill our centre with wonderful colour and laughter.”