Scarves...a music educator's "go to"

A scarf is such a simple thing...a square or rectangle of lightweight fabric which can take on its own personality when used creatively!

Once, in a workshop given by an occupational therapist, we were told that movements which encourage the use of the upper body are essential in development of the strengths that later help to coordinate writing and other fine motor skills.

Scarves work with any kind of music. They will imitate any style as long as the arm guiding them does the same.

1) Smooth, long motions to smooth, connected sounds...short, quick, choppy motions to very beat-oriented sounds.

2) Alternate moving from "high" to "low" on consecutive beats. Or in a pattern, such as every 4 beats or 3 beats - depending on the meter.

3) Alternate going "this way" and "that way" (right and left) in exaggerated motions all the way across the body. Again, move on a beat and then wait for the next most comfortable beat to reverse. More on why this is important later... [If you have older children, go ahead and use the words "right" and "left".]

4) Tossing and catching is great for eye-hand coordination. Toss up on a strong beat. Wait for most of the children to catch or pick back up before tossing again - say on the strongest beat in a pattern. [Use 2 hands for younger children, 1 for older, or alternate right and left.]

5) Make "rainbows". Make an arch over your head from low on the right side, up, and reaching over and across your body to the left side, and then reverse. Alternate hands and arms.

6) Color-code the scarves to the seasons, if possible. Orange, red and brown for fall. White, blue, etc. for winter. Pink, yellow, light green for spring. Lots of green for summer.

These are the simplest suggestions, and there are plenty of variations of course. If you watch, the children will give you even more ideas!