Dancing Words Blog

Category: Nursery Rhymes

  • Alphabet Series: The Letter N

    When you and your students explore the letter N, these books can be springboards and inspiration for improvisations and dance projects. 

    N is for Numbers

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    I very much enjoy Theresa Benzwie's Alphabet Movers, and now I also love her 2011 publication Numbers on the Move. I was excited to stumble upon this book, as I have a similar number based warm up I love to do with young ones.

    Mark Weber's illustrations of a diverse group of children are joyful and playful. I very much appreciate children's books that show a variety of young boys and girls dancing. 

    The simple premise of the book will lead to a fun warm up in an parent/child, preschool, or kindergarten dance class.  

    As we begin to count, there is a movement idea with each number:

    One stretch

    Two slides

    Three jumps

    The book goes up to number 10, and counts down again.

    N is for Nursery Rhymes

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    I am a strong believer in the use of nursery rhymes within dance classes. This teaches these important cultural references and classic rhymes/rhythms that we continue to use today. You can find a wide range of nursery rhyme books to use as a teaching springboard; I love making warm ups with various rhymes.

    Two favorite books of mine include:

    The Neighborhood Mother Goose by Nina Crews

    Mother Goose Numbers on the Loose by Leo and Diane Dillon

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    N is for Nutcracker

    Numerous versions now exist of this classic tale. I frequently recommend The Nutcracker by Alison Jay.

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    N is for Night

    How to Make a Night is a story of magic and whimsy that will inspire a unique group dance. Filled with action words – catch, find, pull, peel, and shake – a little girl "makes a night" by taking away the sun and blue sky, splattering gold, and building a moon. 

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    N is for Nocturnal Animals

    The extra large picture book Zoo-ology by Joelle Jolivet can be used in many ways throughout a year. For the letter N, look at pages 24 and 25 that illustrate and name 32 different nocturnal animals. Students can select a creature; lead an improv with the class related to levels, speed, and different ways of locomoting. 

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  • Hickory Dickory Dock by Keith Baker

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    Keith Baker's 2007 book Hickory Dickory Dock is an extended version of the nursery rhyme. It can be fun inspiration for a new dance or warm up in preschool and kindergarten dance classes. 

    With each strike of the clock – at 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. – a different animal is moving about. Let your imagination and playfulness create a new dance for your students. "Hickory dickory dock, a hare hopped over the clock. The clock struck four….he hopped some more! Hickory dickory dock."

    I am a big proponent for incorporating rhymes into dance classes – for the playfulness of them as well as the rhythms and cultural importance of nursery rhymes.

    Have fun!