Six Fun Ways to Use Bear Paw Creek Movement Props with Songs from Out There In The Wild by Jes Cleland
At Music U, we believe music comes alive when we add movement, imagination, and a little bit of magic — and Bear Paw Creek's movement props make it even easier!
I'm thrilled to share a few favorite ways to pair their creative music and movement products with songs from my new children's album, Out There In The Wild, coming May 9th, 2025.
Keep reading for some ideas on how to turn a simple sing-along into a full-body, full-heart experience!
🌊 Motion of the Ocean — with Bear Paw Creek's Stretchy Band or Canopy Scarf
"Motion of the Ocean" invites kids to ride the waves, and Bear Paw Creek's Stretchy Band, is the perfect tool for the journey:
- "Waves go up and crash down" — lift the band high, then swoop it down low.
- "The tide comes in and goes out" — move it forward and back with flowing, gentle movements.
- "Currents rip from side to side" — sway the band left and right with fun bursts of energy.
Or, try using the Blue Canopy Scarf for a fun variation. The canopy scarf is a favorite in my classroom and can give the same song and movements a brand-new experience. You might even invite a few at a time to stand under the scarf and imagine being deep in the ocean watching motion above!
☔ Raindrops Falling on Me — Two props, one joyful song!
Spring showers feel extra magical with another one of Bear Paw Creek's movement props, Wrist Streamers, in hand. As you sing "Raindrops Falling on Me," invite children to gently place their streamers on the body parts mentioned in the song—head, shoulders, knees, toes, eyelashes, and nose—just like raindrops falling from the sky.
It's a delightful way to support body awareness while reinforcing the rhythm and flow of the music.
As a variation, try Individual Creative Movement Chiffon Scarves! Kiddos love transforming them into imaginary puddles—spreading them across the floor and leaping in with squeals of joy. It's pure rainy-day magic, no umbrellas required.
🎈 Five Roly-Polies — with Bear Paw Creek's Balloon Ball
"Five Roly-Polies" is all about rolling, and Bear Paw Creek's Balloon Ball makes it extra interactive!
- Roll the ball across the group circle during every "roll, roly-poly" refrain — giving kids a chance to work on gentle pushes, teamwork, and timing.
- Watch the smiles grow as they anticipate the ball coming to them!
Six Fun Ways to Use Bear Paw Creek Movement Props with Songs from Out There In The Wild by Jes Cleland Share on X
🐞 Get Out Beetle — with Bear Paw Creek's Balloon Ball
You can keep the fun going with "Get Out Beetle!".
Pass the Balloon Ball around the circle during the verses, and toss it in the air when you get to the big "Get Out Be-Be-Be-Beetle!" shout! Children can do this with partners, small groups, or even a big circle. It's a simple but exciting way to encourage listening skills, quick reactions, and group connection.
To extend the experience, "Get Out Beetle!" also comes with a picture book, interactive digital book, and a teaching guide full of extension activities to bring the story and song to life in even more ways.
🩵 Inspiring Kids to Explore and Fall in Love with Music
At Music U, we love seeing how Bear Paw Creek's beautifully made props can turn a musical moment into an unforgettable memory. Whether you're singing songs from Out There In The Wild at home, in a classroom, or outside under the sky, these props help kids move, explore, and fall in love with music again and again.
Out There In The Wild by Jes Cleland is available on May 9th, wherever you stream music — we can't wait for you to sing, dance, and explore along with us! To check out the different resources Music U has available along with ways to follow along to stay up to date, click here. To check out all of Bear Paw Creek's movement props, click here.
Stay tuned for more exciting things this week as we celebrate the release of Out There in The Wild, including a fun giveaway!
Ready to sing, dance, and play?
