Music and Movement Activities Archives - Bear Paw Creek Movement props, bags and totes made in the USA. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:21:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://musicandmovementproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/cropped-Bear-Paw-Creek-Full-Color-Icon-Round-Crop-100x100.png Music and Movement Activities Archives - Bear Paw Creek 32 32 Music and Movement Week 2026 — Celebrating with a Giveaway! https://musicandmovementproducts.com/music-and-movement-week-2026-celebrating-with-a-giveaway/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=music-and-movement-week-2026-celebrating-with-a-giveaway Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:27:45 +0000 https://musicandmovementproducts.com/?p=67542 Music and Movement Week 2026 — Celebrating with a Giveaway! For the last several years, we have joined Sandra Hendrickson from Sing Play Create as she celebrates Music and Movement Week in April. Music and movement have a multitude of benefits, such as cognitive development, […]

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Music and Movement Week 2026 — Celebrating with a Giveaway!

For the last several years, we have joined Sandra Hendrickson from Sing Play Create as she celebrates Music and Movement Week in April. Music and movement have a multitude of benefits, such as cognitive development, physical development, social & emotional growth, language acquisition, and so much more. Read more about the benefits of music and movement activities here.

One way we are celebrating this year's music and movement week is with a giveaway! We are excited to partner with four other music and movement enthusiasts to give away a prize package worth over $300.

This giveaway is being hosted on Instagram. Head over there to enter for your chance to win!

Click here to be taken to Instagram to enter for your chance to win.

You can keep reading details on what is being included in the giveaway, along with information about the music teachers and educators we're collaborating with!

Giveaway Information

Organized Chaos: Purposeful Creativity at Home & in the Music Room

Elizabeth Caldwell is an elementary music teacher. The goal of Organized Chaos is to help music teachers embrace the chaos of creativity through purposeful organization and simple ideas. On her blog, she shares lesson ideas, behavior management strategies, lesson planning and curriculum design ideas, home organization ideas, and even parenting tips.

Elizabeth has also developed downloadable resources focused on general music curriculum, teacher planners, world music, and more. Her hope is that everything she creates helps other music teachers find their own purposeful balance.

She has generously donated her Modern Movement Cards for Big Kids. These movement cards will appeal to all ages! The set comes with 30 different cards with movement prompts to get kids moving, including current popular dances, simple body percussion, animals, sports, and everyday objects. All of them are designed to be performed as a motion with a steady beat. The graphics will appeal to all ages. The possibilities are endless for using these cards during music and movement activities. You can find a description of the "Disco Duel" I use them for in this blog post.

Music and Movement Week 2026 — Celebrating with a Giveaway!
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Music with Miss Caitlin - Quality Music Education for All Ages!

Caitlin Gomez has always had a passion for music. She has a degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Carthage College and spent 12 years teaching general music and choir to students in grades PreK-8 before switching to Early Childhood Music.

When I had my first child I was excited to have a little musician of my own, but even with all of my prior experience, I would FORGET to make music with my son! Becoming a parent is a huge transformation! We are often overwhelmed with all the million little things that are now on our plate. My hope is to provide you with simple and engaging music activities that you and your child can enjoy together. I hand select the music activities in my classes based on years of experience as a teacher and mom! I always use music that your children will LOVE! 

Caitlin is donating a 6" Remo Lollipop Drum, red plastic Rhythm Sticks, and two Egg Shakers. Everything you need to start doing music and movement activities at home or in class with Miss Caitlin!

Mrs. Stouffer's Music Room

Music Education is Melissa Stouffer's passion. Over the last several years, she has traveled, been on a cart, shared space, and taught kids from 6 weeks to 8th grade. She even started three middle school ensembles - two bands and a choir. Carrying all of those manipulatives and books from building to building and constantly scrambling to write things on little whiteboards as she went from place to place got old quickly, and it was always a struggle to remember everything.

This inspired her to start making materials she could have at her disposal anywhere she went. Now, in her online store, she has hundreds of highly engaging materials to help music educators. And, she has generously included a couple of those resources in this year's Music and Movement Week giveaway!

  • Printed Folk Dance Formation Posters: This game-changing set contains 17 posters with standard folk dance formations. Each poster features kids from a top-down view so students can see which way they are supposed to face!
  • Music of the Philippines: With more than enough info for several classes, this large set includes information about the islands, listening links to both traditional Filipino genres and for 9 famous Filipino composers and musicians, folk dance video links, a tinikling tutorial, video links for 4 more dances, and sheet music for 6 Filipino folk songs.
Sing Play Create: Interactive Education Through Music and Movement Activities

Sandra Hendrickson is a teacher, songwriter, and the creator behind Sing Play Create. She helps busy music teachers, preschool teachers, and parents make learning musical, active, and fun with ready-to-use songs, lessons, and movement activities. She is also the one that came up with the idea to start Music and Movement Week!

For over 25 years, she taught music and movement to children in preschool through upper elementary, led school programs and concerts, and created classroom resources to support teachers. Sing Play Create grew out of her own classroom needs — simple, engaging lessons that get kids moving, singing, and really learning. You can learn more about Sandra and her teaching philosophy here. The wonderful music and movement activities resources that Sandra is giving away are:

  • Stretchy Band Bundle
  • Buggy Movement Bundle including: buggy bean bag, buggy freeze, buggy scarf, buggy stretchy band, and buggy parachute.
  • Scarf Activities Bundle
  • Zoom Rhythm Sticks: K-2 Steady Beat, Rhythm & Movement Activity
  • Rhythm Sticks Music Lesson and Activity "Do the Bunny Dance" Grades Pre-K, K-2
  • Bean Bag Bundle

Be sure to check out her recent blog post as well, Hop into Spring with a Stretchy Band Activity!

 

Bear Paw Creek: Enriching Lives Through Music and Movement

Bear Paw Creek equips teachers, therapists, and parents as they seek to enrich the lives of others through creative movement products and music. We understand the importance of music and movement for developing healthy minds and bodies of all ages. We also know that music stimulates both sides of the brain, lifts our spirits, and makes tedious activities seem fun. Incorporating motion with music brings along all of the excellent physical and emotional benefits of exercise, strengthening our muscles and improving coordination.

We are excited to add some of our creative movement props to the Music and Movement Week giveaway!

  • Stretchy Band (Size large)
  • Set of 6 Rainbow Ribbon Wrist Streamers
  • 9' Canopy Scarf
  • Rainbow Balloon Ball

For more ideas on how to incorporate props into your music and movement time, check out this blog post. We also shared a 2023 Music and Movement Week Recap a couple of years ago that has more music and movement activities from Sandra Hendrickson; check that out here. We hope that the lucky winner will benefit from the music and movement prize package. However, we also hope that you'll visit each of the collaborators' websites and look into the incredible tools and resources they have available!

Madison Stephens

Madison Stephens

Madison has been a part of BPC her whole life. As a young child, she and her siblings helped stuff stretchy bands and flip bean bags. Over the last six years she has become even more involved and is now an official BPC employee with the role of seamstress and social media manager. When she’s not working, you’ll find her spending time with family and friends, going on walks with her dog, working with horses, or cooking and baking. Madison feels honored to have the opportunity to work alongside her mom, Janet Stephens, and be involved with the family business.

The post Music and Movement Week 2026 — Celebrating with a Giveaway! appeared first on Bear Paw Creek.

]]> Fall Canopy Scarf Activity with Songs https://musicandmovementproducts.com/fall-canopy-scarf-activity-with-songs/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fall-canopy-scarf-activity-with-songs Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:33:50 +0000 https://musicandmovementproducts.com/?p=65196 Fall Canopy Scarf Activity and Songs If you're looking for a quick, easy, and fun fall Canopy Scarf activity, we have a great one to share with you! Plus, a few songs that you can pair with the activity idea. A few benefits of the […]

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Fall Canopy Scarf Activity and Songs

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and fun fall Canopy Scarf activity, we have a great one to share with you! Plus, a few songs that you can pair with the activity idea.

A few benefits of the Canopy Scarf:

  • Visually and tactilely stimulating
  • A great relaxation tool
  • Folds to a small size (highly portable)
  • Lightweight and see-through
  • Available in multiple colors

Keep reading to learn more about the activity, a link to a Spotify playlist, and video links with more song ideas.

 

Fall Leaves on a Bear Paw Creek Canopy Scarf

Our 9-foot Canopy Scarves function like a parachute, but are less stimulating and provide a calmer experience. This fall Canopy Scarf activity involves using some fall leaves, like these on Amazon, and placing them on top of the Canopy Scarf. I have also seen a few people make their fall leaves out of felt, which could be a great addition to the activity if you have kids or adults capable of safely using scissors to cut leaf shapes out of colorful felt. Allowing an opportunity to practice and encourage fine motor skills.

You can then experiment with different movements, such as up and down, side to side. Try lifting the canopy high and bringing it down fast to get the leaves to float in the air. A benefit of the Canopy Scarf is its see-through material. This allows you to have some kids sit or lie underneath the canopy while you move it around and get the leaves to swirl and float! Another idea is to see if any leaves fall off as you're doing different movements. If they do, you can pause and count how many are left on top in between each up and down section. A great way to practice those counting skills!

Keep reading for some song suggestions to pair with this fall Canopy Scarf activity!

Fall Canopy Scarf Activity and Songs
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Songs to Pair With the Fall Canopy Scarf Activity Idea

We have a Spotify Playlist with some song ideas from a few of our favorites, such as Stephanie Leavell at Music for Kiddos, Patina Jackson at Music Therapy Joy, and Laurie Berkner. If you have any songs that we should add to this playlist, feel free to send them our way! Be sure to follow us on Spotify and save this playlist for later. Below are a few videos with some song suggestions.

"Toss the Leaves", shown below by Sandra Hendrickson, can also be used with the Stretchy Band! To learn more about that, check out this blog post. Sandra also has a Free Stretchy Band Activity for "Toss the Leaves" Fall Movement Lesson available. Not only would you learn how to use the song with the Stretchy Band, but it would also give ideas on how to pair the song with the fall Canopy Scarf Activity.

Be sure to follow us @bearpawcreek on Facebook and Instagram, and tag us in any videos or pictures if you end up trying this activity!

 

Madison Stephens

Madison Stephens

Madison has been a part of BPC her whole life. As a young child, she and her siblings helped stuff stretchy bands and flip bean bags. Over the last six years she has become even more involved and is now an official BPC employee with the role of seamstress and social media manager. When she’s not working, you’ll find her spending time with family and friends, going on walks with her dog, working with horses, or cooking and baking. Madison feels honored to have the opportunity to work alongside her mom, Janet Stephens, and be involved with the family business.

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]]> Ghost Movement Scarf Activity for Halloween — From Will Doublestein at Bow Tie Music! https://musicandmovementproducts.com/ghost-movement-scarf-activity-for-halloween/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ghost-movement-scarf-activity-for-halloween Thu, 16 Oct 2025 21:06:25 +0000 https://musicandmovementproducts.com/?p=63539 Ghost Movement Scarf Activity for Halloween — From Will Doublestein at Bow Tie Music! We are so excited to be sharing a fun, ghost movement scarf activity for Halloween from our friend, Will Doublestein. Will is an elementary school general music teacher from Indianapolis, IN. […]

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Ghost Movement Scarf Activity for Halloween — From Will Doublestein at Bow Tie Music!

We are so excited to be sharing a fun, ghost movement scarf activity for Halloween from our friend, Will Doublestein. Will is an elementary school general music teacher from Indianapolis, IN. In 2013, he started uploading videos to a YouTube channel he named "Bow Tie Music".  At first, the channel was intended to be a way of distributing program videos to parents who couldn't attend their children's performances.

As time went on, it became a record of sorts, not only for his music programs but also of his other classroom activities. A few years later, after developing a library of resources, he realized that the videos could be a help to other music teachers needing ideas and inspiration. Eventually, his audience began to grow, and he is now able to help thousands of music teachers all around the world to reimagine music class and help their students develop a lifelong love of music.

We are so thankful for the way Will has used his platform, and we are thrilled that our movement props have been helpful tools in his classroom and that they have also been used to bring an element of fun for his students.

Keep reading to learn all about how you can use ghost props under black lights to add a spooky and fun element to your music class, and create a dancy party that your kids won't soon forget!

Dancing with Ghosts!

In this video, Dancing With Ghosts! Making dance parties SPOOKY for kids!, Will demonstrates how he uses black lights and Bear Paw Creek props to create a ghost movement scarf activity, perfect for the spooky season.

To create the "ghosts", all you need are some of our white movement scarves, our Indoor Outdoor Soft Snowball Movement Prop Set, and a 100W UV Black light like these from Amazon.com.

Will used the snowballs as ghost heads and the white scarves as the ghost's body to create a ghost perfect for a dance party! Using the black lights in your classroom creates a glowing effect for the white of the snowballs and scarves. To step it up a notch, you could use one of our 9-foot white Canopy Scarves to make a BIG glowing ghost! For the ghost head under the Canopy Scarf, you could use a big bundle of snowballs or one of our Balloon Balls.

In the video, Will is using 36-inch white movement scarves for the smaller ghosts. However, you can pick from any of the size options we have available, depending on the size ghost you would like to create with your students!

Ghost Movement Scarf Activity for Halloween — From Will Doublestein at Bow Tie Music!
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Songs to Use With the Ghost Movement Scarf Activity

We created a short Spotify playlist for you with song suggestions for your next dance party. Get creative with "Peek-A-boo Ghost" from The Laurie Berkner Band, jam out to "Ghostbusters" the remix, and get crazy with a couple of other songs that have a good dancing vibe!

To have a calmer moment in between dance sessions and let everyone catch their breath, try using Stephanie Leavell's "Blowing in the Wind". You can replace the words "my scarf" with "my ghost". For example: ...blowing in the wind, blowing in the wind, my ghost is blowing in the wind. Falling down, falling down, with a whoosh and plop!"

If you have any other song ideas that we should add to this playlist, let us know! If you end up trying this ghost movement scarf activity, be sure to tag us in any photos or videos @bearpawcreek on Facebook and Instagram. For more resources and fantastic activity ideas from Will Doublestein, you can check out his website, www.bowtiemusic.net.

Madison Stephens

Madison Stephens

Madison has been a part of BPC her whole life. As a young child, she and her siblings helped stuff stretchy bands and flip bean bags. Over the last six years she has become even more involved and is now an official BPC employee with the role of seamstress and social media manager. When she’s not working, you’ll find her spending time with family and friends, going on walks with her dog, working with horses, or cooking and baking. Madison feels honored to have the opportunity to work alongside her mom, Janet Stephens, and be involved with the family business.

The post Ghost Movement Scarf Activity for Halloween — From Will Doublestein at Bow Tie Music! appeared first on Bear Paw Creek.

]]> 5 Ways to Use Bear Paw Creek’s Canopy Scarf in Storytime https://musicandmovementproducts.com/5-ways-to-use-bear-paw-creeks-canopy-scarf-in-storytime/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=5-ways-to-use-bear-paw-creeks-canopy-scarf-in-storytime Wed, 20 Aug 2025 18:33:23 +0000 https://musicandmovementproducts.com/?p=63090 5 Ways to Use Bear Paw Creek's Canopy Scarf in Storytime Hey folks! La La Librarian here, I am excited to share some fun ideas for using Bear Paw Creek's canopy scarf in early childhood storytime. I was introduced to this awesome prop by Bear […]

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5 Ways to Use Bear Paw Creek's Canopy Scarf in Storytime

Hey folks! La La Librarian here, I am excited to share some fun ideas for using Bear Paw Creek's canopy scarf in early childhood storytime.

I was introduced to this awesome prop by Bear Paw Creek, and it’s quickly become one of my favorites—it has so many wonderful uses! This giant, 9-foot chiffon scarf is a fantastic option for storytime professionals thanks to its versatility and simplicity.

Think of it as the parachute’s gentler, less-stimulating sibling. The canopy scarf works beautifully as a storytelling prop, a regulation tool, and a tactile activity that helps bring early literacy concepts to life.

Here are 5 fun ways to use it in your next storytime!

1. Babytime With the Canopy Scarf

The gentle, transparent canopy scarf is ideal for babytime. With a padded blanket or mat underneath, lay babies on the floor, looking up. Have caregivers sit or stand in a circle and hold the scarf above them like a canopy, and move it while singing or chanting songs. (TIP: Displaying the lyrics for everyone to see will increase caregiver participation.)

Calming songs work beautifully, such as: I See the Moon and The More We Sing/Read Together.

Energizing songs can also be adapted for the canopy scarf,  especially classic babytime songs that involve lifting, such as: Up to the Heavens, Down to the Sea, The Elevator Song, Let’s Go Riding on an Elevator, and Zoom, Zoom, Zoom. 

2. Songs and Rhymes About Rain, Ocean, Sky and Wind

If the parachute is your frenemy, the canopy scarf may be the right fit for you! Canopy scarves lend themselves to songs and rhymes about calming natural elements, making them a less stimulating alternative to a parachute. (TIP: You can always scaffold this group skill by having children remain in their parents' laps for the first few sessions.) 

In addition to the babytime songs I mentioned, some other favorites include: Who Taught The Fish To Swim, Hear the Raindrops Fall, Wind Oh Wind, and Five Little Clouds.

3. Storytelling Prop

Use the canopy scarf to represent water, clouds, and more when telling stories with props or puppets.

My favorites for the blue scarf are: Ducks Away! by Mem Fox & Judy Horacek, Get Out Of My Bath! by Britta Teckentrup, and the story songs Five Little Ducks and Five Speckled Frogs.

If you're interested in adding some stuffed animals, as shown in the picture, here is a set of 6 plush ducks, one mama or daddy duck, and five ducklings.

Blue canopy scarf with five small plush ducks and one large plush duck next to a book.
4. Bring a Book to Life Using the Canopy Scarf

Read a book while your group holds the scarf and have them move it on repeated phrases to practice parallel play as a group.

Way Down Deep in the Deep Blue Sea and I Am the Wind work beautifully using this technique.

 

5 Ways to Use Bear Paw Creek's Canopy Scarf for Storytime by La La Librarian
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Three books are sitting on top of the nine foot blue canopy scarf.
5. Cozy Canopy

With small groups of children, drape the scarf to create a cozy reading nook for sharing books together about underwater (blue), underground, outer space (black), or being among the clouds (white or blue)! 

Some of my favorites include: Breathe by Scott Magoon, Beneath by Cori Doerrfeld, Hush Little Rocket by Mo O'Hara & Alexandra Cook, and Partly Cloudy by Deborah Freedman. 

You can find even more books to pair with the canopy scarf at my Bookshop, and use the code LALA10 to get a discounted canopy scarf from Bear Paw Creek.

Alyssa Jewell

Alyssa Jewell

Alyssa Jewell is a musician, Children’s Librarian, and mom who loves storytime! Her website features storytime resources for early childhood educators and children’s librarians, including songs, videos, tutorials, themed book lists, and more. You can trust that every La La Librarian resource is carefully crafted for optimal learning and fun! In addition to a Masters Degree in Library Science, Alyssa has a degree in Theatre Education, and is certified to teach grades K–12.  She has fifteen years' experience bringing stories and concepts to life through storytime, theater, and music in a variety of educational settings. The best part of storytime is when little ones and their grown-ups make precious memories and embrace the joy of reading together! We hope these resources help all of your storytimes sing!   

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]]> 4 Stretchy Band Activity Ideas from Elementary Music Teacher Lena Leon https://musicandmovementproducts.com/stretchy-band-activity-ideas-from-elementary-music-teacher-lena-leon/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=stretchy-band-activity-ideas-from-elementary-music-teacher-lena-leon Tue, 22 Jul 2025 16:18:53 +0000 https://musicandmovementproducts.com/?p=62863 4 Stretchy Band Activity Ideas from Elementary Music Teacher Lena Leon We're back with four more Stretchy Band activity ideas from elementary music teacher, Lena Leon! From opposites, slow and fast, flowers blooming, and roly poly, Lena shares some of the best song and activity […]

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4 Stretchy Band Activity Ideas from Elementary Music Teacher Lena Leon

We're back with four more Stretchy Band activity ideas from elementary music teacher, Lena Leon!

From opposites, slow and fast, flowers blooming, and roly poly, Lena shares some of the best song and activity ideas on her Instagram page, @the_crafter_teacher. We love her creativity when it comes to incorporating our movement props in her classroom. It is also clear in the videos she shares that her students love the activities as well.

Keep reading to learn all about the 4 Stretchy Band activity ideas!

4 Stretchy Band Activity Ideas from Elementary Music Teacher Lena Leon
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4 Stretchy Band Activity Ideas

Activity #1: "Slow and Fast" by Hap Palmer

With this Stretchy Band activity, Lena and her students sat in a circle on the floor while playing the song "Slow and Fast" by Hap Palmer. The music starts very calm and quiet as the students lift the band up and down in time with the music. Then, the song switches from slow to fast! Students rotate the band around and around as fast as they can in time with the music. This activity encourages listening skills, teamwork, and gross motor skills. Not to mention, the quick change in tempo always excites students as they race to get the band around as fast as their hands can go.

Activity #2: "Cross Dance" by Shenanigans

To create a fun and expressive music and movement activity, Lena used two Stretchy Bands (size Large and Extra Large) at the same time. Two groups sat in circles on the floor, the group with the XL Stretchy Band sat on the outside while the group with the Large Stretchy Band sat within the bigger circle. This activity is perfect for practicing active listening skills. While the song "Cross Dance" played, students had to listen to each section to do the following actions. A section: represented flowers blooming/move front, move back. B section: represented the wind blowing the pollen away/pass around to the right, then to the left.

Activity #3: Roly Poly, Roly Poly

Everyone stands in a circle holding on to the Stretchy Band for this activity. Lena stood in the middle while everyone chanted this fun Roly Poly song: "Roly poly, roly poly, up, up, up! Roly poly, roly poly down, down, down. Roly poly, roly poly, wait, wait, wait. Roly poly, roly poly, POP!" On each roly poly section, the students walked around in a circle. As the song continued, they had to listen carefully for the action, on up, up, up, the students lifted the Stretchy band up in the air. On down, they went down low to the floor. With wait, they had to freeze. When the POP came, everyone let go of the band!

Activity #4: Opposites Chant

"This is high, high, high! This is low, low, low. This is fast, fast, fast! This slow, slow, slow. This is soft, soft, soft. This is strong, strong, strong! This is wait, wait, wait. This is...let go!" This song and activity encourages active listening skills, teamwork and group participation, and also helps teach opposites. The opposites chant could be done with different group sizes, but would also work well in a one-on-one setting using a small Stretchy Band or Connect-a-Stretchy Band.

Videos of the Stretchy Band Activities in Action

Linked below are videos of all 4 Stretchy Band Activity Ideas in action! Just in case you missed the other blog post with more ideas, The Crafter Teacher, you can check out 6 Stretchy Band Songs and Activity Ideas from Music Teacher, Lena Leon.

If you don't have your own Stretchy Band and are interested in getting one, you can check them out here.

Let us know what your favorite activity is if you end up trying them out! And, if you have more ideas you would like to share, tag us in your photos and videos on our Instagram and Facebook @bearpawcreek. We love to see our props in action and are so inspired by the creativity you all have when it comes to music and movement activities!

Madison Stephens

Madison Stephens

Madison has been a part of BPC her whole life. As a young child, she and her siblings helped stuff stretchy bands and flip bean bags. Over the last six years she has become even more involved and is now an official BPC employee with the role of seamstress and social media manager. When she’s not working, you’ll find her spending time with family and friends, going on walks with her dog, working with horses, or cooking and baking. Madison feels honored to have the opportunity to work alongside her mom, Janet Stephens, and be involved with the family business.

The post 4 Stretchy Band Activity Ideas from Elementary Music Teacher Lena Leon appeared first on Bear Paw Creek.

]]> Six Fun Ways to Use Bear Paw Creek Movement Props with Songs from Out There In The Wild by Jes Cleland https://musicandmovementproducts.com/six-fun-ways-to-use-bear-paw-creek-movement-props-with-songs-from-out-there-in-the-wild-by-jes-cleland/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=six-fun-ways-to-use-bear-paw-creek-movement-props-with-songs-from-out-there-in-the-wild-by-jes-cleland Sun, 04 May 2025 15:23:58 +0000 https://musicandmovementproducts.com/?p=62598 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 […]

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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
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🐞 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?

Four Songs from Out There in The Wild by Jes Cleland to use with Bear Paw Creek movement Props
Motion in the Ocean Song to Use with Bear Paw Creek Stretchy Band Best Stretchy Band Songs for Teachers Music Therapists and Parents
Raindrops Falling On Me Songs for Kids Best Scarf Songs Bear Paw Creek Creative Movement Scarf Activities
Bear Paw Creek Balloon Ball Songs Jes Cleland Childrens Musician Best Songs for Creative Movement
Bear Paw Creek Music and Movement Props Best Songs for Movement Props Activity Ideas for Teachers Music Thearpists
Jes Cleland

Jes Cleland

For over a decade, I've helped young musicians find their voice through Music U, the teaching studio I founded in 2013. What began as a small preschool music class — filled with singing, movement, and playful discovery — has grown into a thriving community of learners, families, and educators across Nashville.

At Music U, my teaching style is rooted in creativity, connection, and joy. I believe that music is a natural language for young children, and my classes focus on nurturing that through hands-on activities, imaginative play, and lots of opportunities for self-expression. I respect children's ability to engage deeply with music and believe they deserve quality songs and meaningful experiences. In my classes, we move with scarves, explore rhythms, make up silly songs, and dive into a wide range of musical genres — from jazz to rockabilly to Celtic and Latin music — helping students build musical skills and a lifelong appreciation for learning.

As a songwriter and recording artist, I create music that invites children into a world of wonder and storytelling. My upcoming album, Out There In The Wild (releasing this May), celebrates playful melodies, big feelings, and the magic of everyday adventures. I'm also the author of Get Out, Beetle!, a whimsical children's book that blends music and hilarious characters to inspire curiosity and laughter.

Whether through a song, a story, or a lesson, the goal is always to spark confidence, creativity, and a genuine love for music.

Follow along on Instagram, Facebook and my Website for updates on new music, books, and more!

The post Six Fun Ways to Use Bear Paw Creek Movement Props with Songs from Out There In The Wild by Jes Cleland appeared first on Bear Paw Creek.

]]> Top 3 Movement Props with Activity Ideas for Music and Movement Month https://musicandmovementproducts.com/top-three-movement-props-activity-ideas-for-music-and-movement-month/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=top-three-movement-props-activity-ideas-for-music-and-movement-month https://musicandmovementproducts.com/top-three-movement-props-activity-ideas-for-music-and-movement-month/#comments Mon, 31 Mar 2025 22:05:41 +0000 https://musicandmovementproducts.com/?p=62478 Top 3 Movement Props with Activity Ideas for Music and Movement Month For the last two years, Bear Paw Creek and Sandra Hendrickson from Sing Play Create have celebrated Music and Movement Month in April. While this isn't a nationally recognized event, we love to […]

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Top 3 Movement Props with Activity Ideas for Music and Movement Month

For the last two years, Bear Paw Creek and Sandra Hendrickson from Sing Play Create have celebrated Music and Movement Month in April. While this isn't a nationally recognized event, we love to have a month dedicated to highlighting music and movement and all of its amazing benefits. This year, we're kicking it off by sharing our top 3 movement props with activity ideas for each one.

It is hard to pick a top 3 since we love all of our music and movement props and we know you do too. However, the three we are highlighting today have been among our best sellers since the very beginning of Bear Paw Creek in early 2000.

Keep reading to find out our top 3 movement props along with activity ideas for each one that you can use during this year's music and movement month (and year-round too!). Plus, find out how we will be celebrating all month long and how you can join in on the fun.

Movement Prop #1: Stretchy Band

Our Stretchy Bands have been without a doubt our best selling product since the very beginning. So it was a no brainer to include this prop in our top 3 movement props for music and movement month. Our brightly colored Stretchy Bands are made with latex or latex free tubing covered with fabric and include a hook and loop velcro closure.

They are great for practicing numerous goal areas and different skills such as: making shapes, rhythm, listening skills, color recognition, teamwork, and so much more. With five different sizes available, Stretchy Bands can be used in one-on-one settings, small groups, and during large group activities.

The activities you can do with the Stretchy Band are endless and we continue to be inspired by all of our amazing customers who share their ideas with us on Instagram and Facebook.

Here are some song and activity ideas to use with Bear Paw Creek's Stretchy Band:

Top 3 Movement Props with Activity Ideas for Music and Movement Month
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Movement Prop #2: Streamers

Our hoop and wrist streamers have also been one of our top best selling creative movement props since early 2000. Streamers are great fun for dynamic movement activities and dance. Chiffon scarves or vibrant satin ribbons flow 24" off of either a 4 1/2" plastic hoop or fabric wrist scrunchie. The Streamers come in either rainbow or primary colors. You can choose between sets of 6 which come in a drawstring storage bag or, purchase streamers individually to fit your needs.

The fabric wrist scrunchie streamer was an idea from Kathy Schumacher MT-BC at www.TunefulTeaching.com. They are wonderful as you can put them on your wrist, elbows, arms, or even ankles to have your hands free for other movement activities. She discovered this need for those with different abilities who are not able to grasp items. With the ability to put them on your wrist, individuals can still participate in group settings since they can join in on the movements without having to hold on to a prop.

Here are some song and activity ideas to use with Bear Paw Creek's creative movement Streamers:

Movement Prop #3: Balloon Ball

Last but certainly not least in the list of top 3 movement props for music and movement month is the Balloon Ball. The fabric Balloon Ball cover is made out of cotton/poly broadcloth in bright rainbow colors (we have specialty balloon balls as well). You place a balloon through the slit at the bottom, blow it up, tie it off, tuck in the tail, and the music and movement fun begins!

This is a great way for little ones to learn how to catch and throw as it is so light weight. With the lightness and softness of the Balloon Ball, it's great to kick around without worrying about somebody getting hurt. All balloons come with warnings about the danger of choking. With the fabric covering the balloon, it makes it safer to play with and eliminates the worry of balloon pieces flying everywhere if it pops. They are also great to use with parachutes or our nine foot canopy scarves. Put it on top and watch it bounce up and down as you move the parachute or scarf!

Here are some song and activity ideas to use with Bear Paw Creek's Balloon Balls:

Stay Tuned for More Music and Movement Month Celebration!

To keep up with all of the different ways we are celebrating Music and Movement Month this year and different ways you can join in, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

To check out all of our other products not listed in the top 3 movement props, click here.

We are thrilled to have you follow along and hopefully join in on the celebration with us!

Madison Stephens

Madison Stephens

Madison has been a part of BPC her whole life. As a young child, she and her siblings helped stuff stretchy bands and flip bean bags. Over the last six years she has become even more involved and is now an official BPC employee with the role of seamstress and social media manager. When she’s not working, you’ll find her spending time with family and friends, going on walks with her dog, working with horses, or cooking and baking. Madison feels honored to have the opportunity to work alongside her mom, Janet Stephens, and be involved with the family business.

The post Top 3 Movement Props with Activity Ideas for Music and Movement Month appeared first on Bear Paw Creek.

]]> https://musicandmovementproducts.com/top-three-movement-props-activity-ideas-for-music-and-movement-month/feed/ 2 Connect-a-Stretchy Band Train Activity from Music with Miss Jen https://musicandmovementproducts.com/connect-a-stretchy-band-train-activity-from-music-with-miss-jen-music-movement-activities-stretchy-band/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=connect-a-stretchy-band-train-activity-from-music-with-miss-jen-music-movement-activities-stretchy-band Fri, 28 Feb 2025 23:27:29 +0000 https://musicandmovementproducts.com/?p=62350 Connect-a-Stretchy Band Train Activity from Music with Miss Jen When Jennifer from Music with Miss Jen shared a fun Connect-a-Stretchy Band train activity idea on her Instagram page, I knew I had to share it with all of you in a blog post. Over the […]

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Connect-a-Stretchy Band Train Activity from Music with Miss Jen

When Jennifer from Music with Miss Jen shared a fun Connect-a-Stretchy Band train activity idea on her Instagram page, I knew I had to share it with all of you in a blog post.

Over the last few years, our Connect-a-Stretchy Bands have been gaining in popularity. Because of this, we have had a lot of people reach out for song and activity ideas to use with them. The beauty of the Connect-a-Stretchy Band is that, it can be used just like the original Stretchy Band. Which means any Stretchy Band activity, can also be used with a Connect-a-Stretchy Band.

This train activity from Miss Jen was shared specifically for the Connect-a-Stretchy Band, but just know that most any activity can be adapted to use with the original Stretchy Band and even our other music and movement props.

Keep reading for two songs to use for a Connect-a-Stretchy Band train activity and FREE train ticket printable at the end.

Song #1: New River Train (with different words!)

For the first song, Miss Jen shared "New River Train". The original was a classic folk song. Miss Jen took the melody and switched up the words to adapt it for the Connect-a-Stretchy Band train activity.

A fun aspect of the train activity is that, you can use the Connect-a-Stretchy Band in its circular form and have children walk in a circle. Or, you can disconnect the band and use it in a straight line. By using it in a straight line you simulate the train concept a little bit better. You can also have fun letting students take turns being the conductor, passengers, and caboose!

As you can see in the video, Miss Jen is also incorporating the use of train tickets that color coordinate with the Connect-a-Stretchy Band. This is a great way to encourage active participation and practice a multitude of skills such as:

  • Color Recognition
  • Listening Skills
  • Group Participation
  • Social Skills

If you have a larger group and need more than the 6 colors to pass out, this is where the Connect-a-Stretchy Band really shines. With the ability to connect the bands together, you can add as many as you need to accommodate your class size. Let's say you have 18 students, if you put three Connect-a-Stretchy Bands together you will have a size large which will give you three of each color. You will then be able to pass out enough train tickets to include everyone in the train activity.

Connect-a-Stretchy Band Train Activity from Music with Miss Jen
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Song #2: Train Song by Charlie Hope

For this Connect-a-Stretchy Band train activity, you're going to use the band in a circle and can do it either sitting down or, standing up. In "Train Song" by Charlie Hope, students will be encouraged to move in different directions, stretch the band which will really work those muscles, and work together with the rest of the group as they follow the directions in the song. A few of the skills this song will target are:

  • Sense of Beat
  • Directional Concepts
  • Listening Skills
  • Group Participation
  • Rhythm
  • Counting

FREE Train Ticket Printables

We want to say a big thank you to Jen for sharing the train tickets with us and allowing us to share them with all of YOU!

Click Here to Sign Up for You Free Train Ticket Printables

We hope you enjoy this Connect-a-Stretchy Band train activity and would love to see it in action. If you share any videos or pictures be sure to tag us on our Instagram and Facebook pages @bearpawcreek.

Be sure to check out Miss Jen's website for more family and teacher resources, her podcast, music resource library, and so much more.

Madison Stephens

Madison Stephens

Madison has been a part of BPC her whole life. As a young child, she and her siblings helped stuff stretchy bands and flip bean bags. Over the last six years she has become even more involved and is now an official BPC employee with the role of seamstress and social media manager. When she’s not working, you’ll find her spending time with family and friends, going on walks with her dog, working with horses, or cooking and baking. Madison feels honored to have the opportunity to work alongside her mom, Janet Stephens, and be involved with the family business.

The post Connect-a-Stretchy Band Train Activity from Music with Miss Jen appeared first on Bear Paw Creek.

]]> Our Story — The How and Why Bear Paw Creek Began https://musicandmovementproducts.com/our-story-the-how-and-why-bear-paw-creek-began-creative-music-and-movement-props-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=our-story-the-how-and-why-bear-paw-creek-began-creative-music-and-movement-props-2 Sun, 26 Jan 2025 18:04:42 +0000 https://musicandmovementproducts.com/?p=62274 Our Story — The How and Why Bear Paw Creek Began This January marks 25 years in business for Bear Paw Creek, this is a big milestone for us and we are extremely grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way. We have been […]

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Our Story — The How and Why Bear Paw Creek Began

This January marks 25 years in business for Bear Paw Creek, this is a big milestone for us and we are extremely grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way.

We have been celebrating all month long by sharing some behind the scenes, a 25% off flash sale, and still have something extra fun planned for the end of the month. We also wanted to share a little bit about the how and why Bear Paw Creek was started. For those who have been following us for a long time, this story may already be familiar to you, but we have had a lot of growth over the last several years. Including more followers on social media and our blog, which makes this the perfect time to do a retelling of our story.

Keep reading to learn about the start of our business (before we were named Bear Paw Creek!), growth over the years, how our products are beneficial, and our goals moving forward.

The Start of Bear Paw Creek's Music and Movement Props

In January of 2000, sisters Janet Stephens and Kathy Schumacher MT-BC came together along with Janet's husband, Christopher Stephens, to create a business that was then called Props & Bags, Etc. With Janet looking to create an income from home and Kathy looking for someone to create products to meet a need in the music therapy community, they meshed their passion and ideas together to create products that would serve the music and movement community for years to come.

With Christopher's innovative mind, Janet's designing and sewing skills, and Kathy's experience in music therapy and knowledge of what that community needed, they introduced the creation of a unique line of movement props along with solutions for organizing and transporting them.

The Props & Bags, Etc. 2000-2001 catalog contained: stretchy bands, bean bags, streamers, tote bags, and instrument cases.

Our Story — The How and Why Bear Paw Creek Began
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Our Development and Growth Throughout the Years

In 2001, Bear Paw Creek picked up their first wholesale customer, West Music, who we continue to work with to this day! The movement props continued to grow in popularity which encouraged them to continue going and also create more props to add to the product line. In 2008, the brand name was changed to Bear Paw Creek.

Fast forward to 2012, Janet had the opportunity to take a course on building websites with WordPress. With this knowledge added to her "tool belt", she was able to create a new website to better offer Bear Paw Creek's products to the public.

The new website allowed them to open up and quickly expand the business's retail market as well as connect with customers on a one to one level through emails, blog posts, and in later years, social media. Bear Paw Creek continues to expand and grow, reaching more retail customers, along with a growing list of resellers, stateside and internationally.

In recent years I, Madison Stephens (Christopher and Janet's daughter), have taken over the social media marketing for Bear Paw Creek. This opened up a whole other avenue of connection with our customers.

Seeing videos of stretchy bands, scarves, streamers, bean bags, and all of our other creative movement props being used in countries all around the world by people of different ages and abilities is both mind blowing and extremely humbling. It is an honor to be a part of this business my parents and aunt started and the impact it has.
Bear Paw Creek School Of Musical HeartBeats Australia Stretchy Band in Music and Movement Activity
Nancy Kopman Music With Nancy Kopman Shake Shake Shake with Bear Paw Creek Creative Movement Scarves
Pixie Pods Kids New York United States Music Classes for Kids Bear Paw Creek DiscoverDance Hoop Ribbon Rainbow Streamers
Bear Paw Creek Stretchy Band Creative Music and Movement Props for Music Therapists Teacher Jacqueline Chow Singapore Music Therapist

We have learned so much and have been inspired by all of you sharing your movement activity ideas on social media and how you use our movement props with your children, students, and patients. It has also led to some new product ideas, wonderful collaborations, and big growth for our business. If you aren't already connected with us on Facebook and Instagram, please give us a follow! And keep tagging us in your videos and pictures, it truly is one of our favorite things to see our products in use.

Bear Paw Creek: Retailer, Wholesaler, and Manufacture of Handmade in the USA Movement Props

Something that not everyone knows about Bear Paw Creek is that, for the last 25 years we have been the manufacturer, retailer, and wholesaler for our company. People are sometimes shocked to hear that our movement props are handmade by us in Missouri, USA!

When we first began in 2000, our target audience was music therapists. The music therapy community is wonderful and has been huge supporters of Bear Paw Creek. We are extremely grateful for them and all of the important work that they do! Over the years as our product was being purchased and shipped all around the world, we realized that music therapists are not the only ones that have a need for these props.

Our music and movement props continue to be used by music therapists, but are also being used by music teachers, activity directors, recreational therapists, parents, dance instructors, grandparents, physical therapists, early childhood educators, special education teachers, occupational therapists, rehabilitation specialists, and so many more.

All of these amazing people combine our props with music to help their patients target specific goal areas, work on a variety of skills, and sometimes, to just have fun with music and movement. A few of the skills movement props help target are:

  • Physical development: Props can help with coordination, balance, and gross motor skills.
  • Cognitive development: Props can help with spatial awareness, teamwork, and understanding of locomotor and non-locomotor movements.
  • Creative expression: Props can help with creativity and musicality.
  • Social-emotional development: Props can help with social-emotional development.
  • Strength and flexibility: Props can help with strength, mobility, and flexibility by encouraging movement.

A Thank you for Your Support and Our Goals Moving Forward

We cannot say thank you enough to all of our loyal supporters for the last 25 years. Bear Paw Creek would not be the successful business that it is without all of you trusting us to provide high-quality made in the USA movement props, sharing about them with friends, using them with your children and patients, sharing your music and movement activity ideas on blogs and social media, and coming back again and again to purchase our products.

Bear Paw Creek is honored to have the opportunity to make a small impact in the world with what we provide. But it's all because of our amazing community of people all around the world that our products have been as successful as they are.

Looking back on the last 25 years there has definitely been a lot of change and growth. However, our core values have remained and will continue to remain the same: commitment to the people who use our products, and enthusiasm for the manner in which our customers improve the lives of others.

It is our goal to continue to equip teachers, therapists, and parents as they seek to enrich the lives of others through creative movement products and music. We understand the importance of music and movement for developing healthy minds and bodies of all ages and are honored to have your trust and support as we continue to create high-quality movement props.

Here's to the next 25 years!

Madison Stephens

Madison Stephens

Madison has been a part of BPC her whole life. As a young child, she and her siblings helped stuff stretchy bands and flip bean bags. Over the last six years she has become even more involved and is now an official BPC employee with the role of seamstress and social media manager. When she’s not working, you’ll find her spending time with family and friends, going on walks with her dog, working with horses, or cooking and baking. Madison feels honored to have the opportunity to work alongside her mom, Janet Stephens, and be involved with the family business.

The post Our Story — The How and Why Bear Paw Creek Began appeared first on Bear Paw Creek.

]]> The Nutcracker March Stretchy Band Activity https://musicandmovementproducts.com/the-nutcracker-march-stretchy-band-activity/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-nutcracker-march-stretchy-band-activity Wed, 04 Dec 2024 22:34:39 +0000 https://musicandmovementproducts.com/?p=62083 The Nutcracker March Stretchy Band Activity If you're looking for a new and fun holiday themed activity for your next music and movement class, circle time, or just for fun, the Nutcracker March Stretchy Band activity might become your new favorite. Keep reading to learn […]

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The Nutcracker March Stretchy Band Activity

If you're looking for a new and fun holiday themed activity for your next music and movement class, circle time, or just for fun, the Nutcracker March Stretchy Band activity might become your new favorite.

Keep reading to learn about the different sections of the Nutcracker March and how you can explore the March using creative movement with the Stretchy Band. This activity will also allow you to target goal areas and practice specific skills with your students such as: teamwork and cooperation, listening skills, color recognition, and mind-body connection.

I am also going to share some great videos of the Nutcracker March Stretchy Band activity in action shared by some long-time friends of Bear Paw Creek.

The Nutcracker March in Action

The first video I am going to share with you is from Will Doublestein at Bow Tie Music. In the video, you can watch as Will's class of first graders listen his vocal instruction to act out different movements throughout the March, all while going in a circle with the Stretchy Band. As the Nutcracker March plays, the class will switch from marching to skipping depending on the section of the song.

Then, Will has the kids hold the Stretchy Band up high and calls out a color. If he calls out "Blue!", any children holding onto a blue section will switch spots with the other child or children who are also holding onto a blue section. This keeps kids interested while adding a fun element of movement and also encourages kids to continue listening to Will's instructions.

If you're ever on the hunt for more fantastic music and movement activity ideas for the classroom or at home, be sure to check out Will's website: bowtiemusic.net. He has so many amazing videos and resources available on his site. You can also follow him on Facebook and subscribe to his YouTube Channel.

The Nutcracker March — Stretchy Band Activity Blog Post by Bear Paw Creek
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Nutcracker March, Two Fun Elementary Music Orff Lessons with Mr. S

Now that you have seen the Nutcracker March Stretchy Band activity in action, the next video I'm going to share with you is from Matthew Stensrud (aka, Mr. S). In this video, Matthew shares two different lessons. One using creative movement and one incorporating the Stretchy Band.

He also goes into greater detail about how the Nutcracker March is in an ABACABA form and how he uses different movements for each section. Soldiers and puppets for the A sections, soldiers and mice for B sections, and scurrying mice for the C section. Matthew also talks about how he does this creative movement activity on an individual level before asking students to do it all together and why it's important.

The Stretchy Band comes into play when it's time for the students to come together and do the activity as a group. When using the Stretchy Band, the movements for each section of the March are slightly different. March and shake for the A sections, march and low/high shakes for the B sections, and small group movement word fun for the C section.

I highly recommend watching the full video as Matthew does a great job talking through and demonstrating each movement for both of the lesson ideas. You can also check out this fun Nutcracker Music Lesson Ideas playlist on YouTube from Matthew for even more ways to use the March and other classic Nutcracker Songs. Including lesson ideas with a different movement prop, scarves! If you click here, you will have access to links for all of the Matthew's amazing extra resources. Such as: free lessons, his patreon community, articles, website, Tedx Talks, and more!

 

More Music and Movement Videos and a Spotify Playlist

Below I linked a couple more videos of the Nutcracker March Stretchy Band activity in action. I also linked Matthew Stensrud's music activity for the Nutcracker Trepak dance. I also created a Spotify playlist with the March, Trepak, and a few more Nutcracker classics that would pair well with the Stretchy Band, scarves, or other creative movement props.

If you don't have your own Stretchy Band, click here to check out the different sizes we have available. To shop all of our other movement props like scarves, bean bags, streamers, and more, click here.

Be sure to tag us on Instagram or Facebook if you end up trying the Nutcracker March Stretchy Band Activity and share videos or pictures. I just want to say a quick thank you to Will Doublestein, Matthew Stensrud, and Pattye Casarow for sharing their genius music and movement activity ideas. And thank YOU for reading this blog post and supporting Bear Paw Creek!

Madison Stephens

Madison Stephens

Madison has been a part of BPC her whole life. As a young child, she and her siblings helped stuff stretchy bands and flip bean bags. Over the last six years she has become even more involved and is now an official BPC employee with the role of seamstress and social media manager. When she’s not working, you’ll find her spending time with family and friends, going on walks with her dog, working with horses, or cooking and baking. Madison feels honored to have the opportunity to work alongside her mom, Janet Stephens, and be involved with the family business.

The post The Nutcracker March Stretchy Band Activity appeared first on Bear Paw Creek.

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