Can You?  I Can!

Purpose:  This is activity will engage everyone, regardless of age or ability.  The combination of rhythm, movement, and language provides a very a powerful tool for educating young children.  Current brain research has shown that this kind of activity has positive influences on the organization of a variety of centers within the brain.  The remarkable thing is that something that is so good for children is also fun!

Materials/Advance Preparation:  none

Directions:

(Alternate lines between leader and group. Pantomime the actions indicated)

Can you wiggle, wiggle, wiggle?
I can wiggle, wiggle, wiggle!

Can  you jiggle, jiggle, jiggle?
I can jiggle, jiggle, jiggle!

Can you wink, wink, wink?
I can wink, wink, wink!

Can you blink, blink, blink?
I can blink, blink, blink!

Can you rap, rap, rap?
I can rap, rap, rap!

Can you tap, tap, tap?
I can tap, tap, tap!

Can you laugh, laugh, laugh?
I can laugh, laugh, laugh!

Can you cry, cry, cry?
I can cry, cry, cry!

Can you stand up tall?
I can stand up tall!

Can you see the wall?
I can see the wall!

Can you sit right down?
I can sit right down!

Can you touch the ground?
I can touch the ground!

Can you reach the sky?
I can reach the sky!

Can you wave bye, bye?
I can wave bye, bye!

(Repeat the last two lines several times, each time getting softer until you are only mouthing the words).

Note:  You can further language development through this activity by discussing the actions (e.g., wiggle, jiggle) and by asking the children to suggest other actions (e.g., jump, hop).

Courtesy of Joanna Featherstone

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