Parachute Activities Archives - Bear Paw Creek Movement props, bags and totes made in the USA. Tue, 06 May 2025 22:57:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://musicandmovementproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/cropped-Bear-Paw-Creek-Full-Color-Icon-Round-Crop-100x100.png Parachute Activities Archives - Bear Paw Creek 32 32 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!

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]]> Back to School Giveaway — Worth Over $900! https://musicandmovementproducts.com/back-to-school-giveaway-music-movement-products-for-teachers-therapists-parents-early-childhood-educators/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=back-to-school-giveaway-music-movement-products-for-teachers-therapists-parents-early-childhood-educators Sat, 22 Jul 2023 14:43:46 +0000 https://musicandmovementproducts.com/?p=60238 Annual Back To School Giveaway — Worth Over $900! It's time for our annual back to school giveaway with a prize package FULL of music and movement resources! At Bear Paw Creek, we love to do giveaways. They are a fun way to give back […]

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Annual Back To School Giveaway — Worth Over $900!

It's time for our annual back to school giveaway with a prize package FULL of music and movement resources! At Bear Paw Creek, we love to do giveaways. They are a fun way to give back to all of you and to show our appreciation for your continued support. We always look forward to our big annual back to school giveaway a this year we have asked several of our friends to join in. Not only are we giving away some of our best selling creative movement props, we also have some children's books, some awesome music, miniature items, and more that have been generously donated!

On top of that, we are also opening up this year's back to school giveaway to not only our USA followers, but to all of our international followers as well. Keep reading to get all the details on what's included in the giveaway and find out how to enter. This is a giveaway you are not going to want to miss!

Bear Paw Creek Back to School Giveaway 2023 Best Music and Movement Props for Music Therapists Teachers Educators and Parents

Everything Included in the Back to School Giveaway

Our creative movement props would not be as successful or as beneficial as they are without combining them with music, books, manipluatives and more. We are so excited to be able to include some of our close friends and fellow businesses in this giveaway. We love each person listed below and want to say a big thank you to all of them for joining this years back to school giveaway.

One of the very first books given to me when I was a baby was a copy of I'm A Little Teapot, illustrated by Iza Trapani (which I still have!). My mom and I are big fans of her work and to say we were excited when she agreed to participate in our back to school giveaway is an understatement. Iza Trapani was born in Poland and immigrated to American at seven years old. Upon arriving to America, she was given a large collection of Mother Goose nursery rhymes. These nursery rhymes are what helped her learn to speak English and what inspired her to become an author and illustrator. Now, her first book The Itsy Bitsy Spider has sold over 2.5 million copies and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star has sold over 1.3 million copies. Her illustrations are beautiful and nursery rhymes always manage to keep children engaged. Iza has generously donated SIGNED COPIES of three of her books:

  • Old MacDonal Had a...Zoo?
  • Froggie Went A-Courtin'
  • Baa Baa Black Sheep

Nancy Kopman is an Early Childhood Educator, recording artist, performer and music curriculum builder. Her "Music With a Purpose" is used by educators, therapists, caregivers and families worldwide. Nancy's songs and classes (both in-person and online) focus on movement, connection and learning together while having fun. We have loved connecting with Nancy this year and are very excited for you to have the chance to win her music! Her songs fit so well with many of our music and movement props. You can also check out her Patreon community here. Nancy is generously donating a six pack of CD's from her music collection:

  • "I Am A Tree" album
  • "Senses" album
  • "Shadow" album
  • "The Seasons" album
  • "Wonderful You" album
  • "I Know I'll Grow...." album

Music for Kiddos was created by Stephanie Leavell MT-BC and is dedicated to providing high-quality children's music resources for music therapists, music educators, and parents. Not only does Stephanie write truly amazing music, she also has continuing education courses, a podcast, and offers an online resource membership community. On top of all that, she hosts an online conference each year created exclusively for music therapists and music educators who work with kids. Stephanie has generously donated these items to our back to school giveaway:

Rachelle is a Speech-Language Pathologist and started Speech Tree Co in December of 2018. She had the idea to make mini object kits targeting speech and language goals while working as a pediatric SLP. After using the mini items with her students, she quickly realized just how much more engaging the mini toys were than traditional articulation flashcards. As longtime fans of anything miniature, we are beyond excited to connect with Rachelle and share her resources with all of you. You can enter for the chance to win two themed units from Speech Tree Co:

  • Oceans Unit
  • Sports Unit

We have been following Rhythm and Strings Music Therapy since fall of 2022 when Marie released her singable book, Where Do You Sleep? She has been marketing the book in such a fun way using different miniature items, you can check it out by visiting their Instagram or Facebook page. Marie is a Neurologic music therapist in Southern Maine, is a children's book author, and provides resources with a rhythm. She is adding several items to the giveaway including:

DiscoverDance is a dance community dedicated to learning, creating, and educating the early years. In 2018, DiscoverDance partnered with Bear Paw Creek to create the DiscoverDance Music and Movement Prop Collection. Incorporating creative movement props with the DiscoverDance conceptual explorations enhances the early childhood learning experience. Andrea Trench from DiscoverDance is donating:

Patina Jackson is a board certified music therapist and is the creator and owner of Music Therapy Joy. She offers many amazing resources from engaging songs with high-quality, visual aids, to forms for data, planning, organization and evaluations. She is donating a bundle includes recordings for 10 songs that support social emotional learning for kids and teens! PLUS a 98-page PDF packed with chord sheets, intervention ideas, worksheets, printable visuals, and slide presentation links (for classroom screens, tablets, virtual sessions and more)! On top of all that, Patina has also been releasing some wonderful music! You can check out her Spotify here. Enter for your chance to win the:

This year for Bear Paw Creek's contribution, we are giving away a little bit of everything! Scarves, Stretchy Bands, and our newest movement prop, the Small Play Parachute. We are also adding Maryann "Mar" Harman's new book to the giveaway along with Miss Carole's CD's. Be sure to check out both of their websites and social media pages. Here is everything you could win from us:

Click Here to Enter our BIG Annual Back to School Giveaway - Worth Over $900!
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How To Enter for Your Chance to Win the Giveaway

After sharing that list of all of the amazing music and movement resources included in this years back to school giveaway you're probably thinking, "How do I enter ASAP!?".

All you have to do is head on over to either Instagram or Facebook, like the post, then comment and tag some friends. Tip: If you enter on both Facebook and Instagram, you'll have even more chances to win.

We understand that some of you may not be on social media and want to make sure you still have a chance to enter. If you are not on social media, go ahead and click here! Enter your email to make sure you are subscribed to our mailing list and you will be entered in as well.

Bear Paw Creek Back to School Giveaway Top Resources for Teaching Music and Movement Early Childhood Development Tools Parents Teachers Best Music Therapy Props Childrens Book

Again, we want to say a huge thank you to all of our good friends for donating their products and resources to this giveaway. We are so excited to kick off the school year in this fun way. Be sure to stay tuned as we will be announcing our back to school sale information soon!

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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]]> Music and Movement Month 2023 Recap https://musicandmovementproducts.com/music-and-movement-month-2023-recap-movement-activities-early-childhood-education-teaching-tools/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=music-and-movement-month-2023-recap-movement-activities-early-childhood-education-teaching-tools Mon, 01 May 2023 11:00:43 +0000 https://musicandmovementproducts.com/?p=59946 Music and Movement Month 2023 Recap It's hard to believe that April is already over and that our Music and Movement Month celebration has come to an end. We had so much fun highlighting music and movement activities, resources, movement props, and more over the […]

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Music and Movement Month 2023 Recap

It's hard to believe that April is already over and that our Music and Movement Month celebration has come to an end. We had so much fun highlighting music and movement activities, resources, movement props, and more over the last month with Sandra from Sing Play Create. And, if you know us at Bear Paw Creek, you know that we LOVE giveaways. Getting to pull one together with Sandra worth over $150.00 to celebrate and give someone the opportunity to incorporate music and movement into their lives was wonderful.

With over 500 entries and hundreds more bonus entries, your response to the giveaway was fantastic! A big thank you to everyone that entered and participated in the giveaway.

Sandra has so many amazing music and movement activities on her website and TPT store. On top of that, she created several more over the last month just for our celebration! Just in case you missed them, you can find all of the resources linked below.

8 Scarf and Ribbon Movement Activities

The first of several movement activities shared by Sandra was, 8 Scarf and Ribbon Activities. Not only are there eight activities, but she also gives you the details on how to do them. Plus, there are two songs for scarves and ribbons you can use too! Below you will find the time stamps for the YouTube video which clearly demonstrates each activity.

  • INTRO: 00:00-2:10
  • 2:10-SECTION 1: Scarf and Ribbon Warm Up Activity
  • 6:55-SECTION 2: Scarf Activity Song
  • 11:05-SECTION 3: Teach High and Low
  • 14:12-SECTION 4: Loud and Soft
  • 18:10-SECTION 5: Expression and Social Activity
  • 24:34-SECTION 6: Tempo Game
  • 30:15-SECTION 7: Vocal Explorations
  • 32:37-SECTION 8: Teach Form (Vivaldi's Spring Concerto)

10 Bean Bag Activities for Music and Movement

Bean Bag activities are just what you need if you’re looking to keep engagement high. In this blog post, Sandra shares interactive games and activities that have students singing, playing, and moving using our Bean Bags. Games are a great way to teach children because often, children don't even know they are learning, they're just busy having fun!

  • 1:01 Easy Warm UP Bean Bag Game
  • 2:00 Grizzly Bear Bean Bag Game
  • 5:08 Introduce and Teach How to Play with Bean Bags “Hello Song” Freebie
  • 5:57 Upper Elementary Bean Bag Games for Music Class Learning and Assessment
  • 7:19 Old Mac Donald Bean Bag Game
  • 10:10 The Farmer in the Dell Bean Bag Game
  • 12:19 Snail Snail Kodaly Song Bean Bag Game
  • 14:35 Doggie, Doggie Where’s Your Bone Bean Bag Game
  • 16:30 Vocal Warmups with Bean Bags
  • 18:10 Movement Activities with Bean Bags
  • 19:50 Songs with Bean Bags
  • 21:00 Head Shoulders Knees and Toes
  • 21:54 There’s a Chocolate Chip Cookie on My Head Sing Along
  • 24:00 Bean Bag Activities for Transitions, Games, Anytime!

Best Parachute Movement Actvities for Music Class

Did you know that parachute songs, games, and movement activities can teach musical and movement concepts? And that they give students opportunities to explore through creativity and improvisation?  And yes, they make a great movement break for fitness. They also help with SEL (Social Emotional Learning), social skills, beat, and form activities as well as singing.

In this blog post, Sandra shared some fun parachute activities that you can use in music class, circle time, music therapy session, or during at-home play. Click here to check out the blog post and learn about all of the different parachute activities, plus get a creative movement song made specifically for play parachutes! You can also watch the YouTube video HERE.

Check out our Small Play Parachute featured in the video here.

Fun Balloon Ball Music and Movement Activities

Balloon Balls are a great movement prop to add to your home, classroom, or clinic. This is a great music therapy tool for little ones to learn how to catch and throw as it is so light weight. With the lightness and softness of this ball, it’s great to kick around without worrying about somebody getting hurt. Sandra shared several different Balloon Ball movement activities including steady beat activities, rhythm games, and songs!

To read the full blog post, click here. And, to check out the YouTube video demonstrating the activities, click here!

You can also check out her other blog post: 10 Ways to Use Balls in the Music Classroom

Check out all of the fun Balloon Ball variations from us at Bear Paw Creek here! You can choose from a variety of patterns and designs. From the classic rainbow, to a pumpkin, apple, galaxy theme, floral, and more.

Thank You for Celebrating Music and Movement Month!

We absolutely loved celebrating Music and Movement Month and are so thankful to all of your for participating! Seeing videos and pictures of you incorporating Music and Movement with your students made it extra special.

Our hope is that over the last month, you were able to learn more about Music and Movement and the benefits it brings for people of all ages and that you will continue to incorporate it into your life and the lives of your children and students. Not only is it a great way to learn and teach important skills, it's also so much fun. We are also hoping to make this an annual event, so stay tuned for Music and Movement Month 2024!

Check out all of the amazing resources, movement props, teaching tips, and more shared during Music and Movement Month 2023!
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Bear Paw Creek Music and Movement Month The Benefits of Music and Movement for Early Childhood Development Best Music Education Teaching Tools Movement Props
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 Month 2023 Recap appeared first on Bear Paw Creek.

]]> Bicycle Stretchy Band Activity and Song https://musicandmovementproducts.com/bicycle-stretchy-band-activity-and-song-educational-resources-early-childhood-development-classroom-activities-kids/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bicycle-stretchy-band-activity-and-song-educational-resources-early-childhood-development-classroom-activities-kids Wed, 19 Apr 2023 20:51:59 +0000 https://musicandmovementproducts.com/?p=59932 Bicycle Stretchy Band Activity and Song We are always on the lookout for new music and movement activity ideas, so when I found this bicycle Stretchy Band activity and song shared by Nancy Kopman and Traci Patterson, I knew I had found a good one! […]

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Bicycle Stretchy Band Activity and Song

We are always on the lookout for new music and movement activity ideas, so when I found this bicycle Stretchy Band activity and song shared by Nancy Kopman and Traci Patterson, I knew I had found a good one!

If you read our Best Parachute Activities and Songs blog post, you know that we have recently collaborated with Nancy Kopman and have a couple more projects planned with her in the near future. She is an Early Childhood Educator and has some truly amazing music. All of which pairs very well with our creative movement props! You can check out Nancy's music here. Traci Patterson is a Music Teacher in Richmond, Texas and is always sharing fun activity ideas, pictures, and videos on her Instagram and Twitter. She also offers educational resources on her Teachers Pay Teachers store. We love following Traci and seeing all of the awesome content she puts out and especially love getting to see how she uses our movement props in her classroom.

Keep reading to get the details on the bicycle Stretchy Band activity!

"Bicycle" Song by Nancy Kopman for a Stretchy Band Activity

The song used for this Stretchy Band activity is "Bicycle" from Nancy's album "The Seasons". This song is perfect for children of all ages and is very easy to learn since the lyrics are easy to remember and the actions included are simple to learn. To read the lyrics you can watch this video, Sing the Bicycle Song with Nancy (FULL SONG w/ACTIONS).

The different actions in the song are what makes it perfect for the Stretchy Band! You can sit in a big circle with your class while everyone holds the Stretchy Band or stand in a circle, as you listen to the song, follow the actions. Lift the Stretchy Band up! Then go back down. Up, and down, up and down. There is also a part where it says go fast, then slow. If your students are standing for this Stretchy Band activity, they could walk in a circle as fast as they can! Then walk in slow motion when the song signals to slow down.

The best part about this song is that once you know it well enough, you can add in your own lyrics and do whichever action you want! It would be fun to add a side to side action, or maybe a in and out.

You can also use this Stretchy Band activity in smaller group settings. The Connect-A-Stretchy Band would be perfect to work one-on-one with a child using this song. Or, you could use the Primary Set of 6 Connect-A-Stretchy Bands to spread your large group out. Have a few kids around a Connect-A-Band, each with a different color. Each group could take turns calling out an action to go with the song. Red group, "In and out". Next, blue group "Side to side!" and so on.

Click here to check out a new Bicycle Stretchy Band Activity and Song from Nancy Kopman and Traci Patterson -Bear Paw Creek
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Stretchy Band Activity Idea in Action with Traci Patterson

The video on the right originally shared by Traci Patterson, is where I first heard the bicycle song by Nancy and saw the Stretchy Band activity in action. You can see that all of the students are attentive and engaged. Using the Stretchy Band with this song is a great way to practice those important listening skills, encourage teamwork, and can encourage movement/exercise.

If you've been following us, you know that we are huge advocates for music and movement and the benefits it brings for people of all ages and abilities. Music and movement helps develop physical skills, cognitive development, social skills, emotional expression, and so much more. That's why we are so thankful to people like Nancy and Traci for sharing their amazing resources and ideas.

I have no doubt that this Stretchy Band activity will be a hit in your next music class, circle time, music therapy session, or at-home play! If you use this activity and post any pictures or video to social media, be sure to tag us!  We LOVE seeing videos and pictures of our creative movement props in action. Who knows, maybe you will inspire a new activity idea! You can find us @bearpawcreek and be sure to check out @musicwithnancy and @snapclappattersonmusic.

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 Bicycle Stretchy Band Activity and Song appeared first on Bear Paw Creek.

]]> Music and Movement Month – Celebrating With a Giveaway! https://musicandmovementproducts.com/music-and-movement-month-celebrating-with-a-giveaway/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=music-and-movement-month-celebrating-with-a-giveaway Tue, 04 Apr 2023 12:14:39 +0000 https://musicandmovementproducts.com/?p=59866 Music and Movement Month - Celebrating With a Giveaway! You might be thinking, Music and Movement Month?! I didn't know there is such a thing! While Music and Movement Month isn't a nationally recognized event, Sandra Hendrickson from Sing Play Create celebrates it all month […]

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Music and Movement Month - Celebrating With a Giveaway!

You might be thinking, Music and Movement Month?! I didn't know there is such a thing! While Music and Movement Month isn't a nationally recognized event, Sandra Hendrickson from Sing Play Create celebrates it all month long in April every year, and this year Bear Paw Creek is thrilled to join the celebration!

I'm sure you know by now that we at Bear Paw Creek are extremely passionate about music and movement and the benefits it brings for people of all ages. Our movement props were all inspired by the desire to create useful, educational, and fun tools that can be used by parents, therapists, educators, and anyone wanting to incorporate music into the lives of their children or students. That's why we are so excited to be partnering with Sandra this month to bring you a HUGE giveaway full of music, creative movement props, activities, and more.

Keep reading to find out all of the details on the giveaway and how you can join in on the celebration!

 

Music and Movement Month Giveaway & Sing Play Create

Sing Play Create is an incredible resource for parents, teachers, and music therapists. Sandra has two YouTube channels that are FULL of educational videos, teaching tips, songs, and activities. You can check them both out here: Sing Play Create Educational Music Channel and Sing Play Create Teaching Tips.  Also on her website you will find a free resource library where you can gain access to exclusive email list freebies! Such as music lessons, brain breaks, songs, games, printables, and more. To learn more about Sandra and why she started Sing Play Create, click here. 

Among all of the amazing educational resources Sandra has created, she has activity bundles made specifically for our creative movement props. She has bundles for the Stretchy Band, Bean Bags, Parachute and more.

For our big giveaway we have combined both of our products to offer a prize worth over $150.00! Plus, all of the props and activities you could win will be extremely beneficial as you either continue incorporating music and movement into your children's and student's lives or, if you're just starting out.

Here's what you could win (All worth over $150):

1.) Connect-a-Stretchy Band

2.) Set of 6 Primary Color Wrist Ribbon Streamers

3.) Creative Movement Scarf Kit, Set of 6

4.) Set of 6 Primary Color Square Bean Bags

5.) Rainbow Balloon Ball

6.) Small Play Parachute for Kids

7.) Balloon Ball Activities for Children

8.) Buggy Parachute Music and Movement Activities: Music, PE, All Classrooms

9.) Buggy Stretchy Band Movement Activities for Music, P.E., Movement Classes

10.) Buggy Scarf and Ribbon Activities for Preschool, Music Class, P.E. Movement Activities

11.) Buggy Bean Bag Activities and Games for Preschool, Music and Movement Classes

12.) Buggy Movement Activity Posters, Cards, Presentation for Freeze Dance Activities

Click Here to Enter the Giveaway!

Join the Celebration and Get Bonus Entries!

Do you want to join the Music and Movement Month celebration?

Post a video or picture of you and your children or students incorporating music and movement into your music therapy session, circle time, music class, virtual session, or at-home play! Tag us in your post @bearpawcreek and @singplaycreate and use the hashtag #musicandmovementmonth to get 10 BONUS ENTRIES!

To learn more about the benefits of music and movement, you can check out this blog post from several years ago. Make sure you're following us @bearpawcreek and @singplaycreate on social media where we will be sharing music and movement themed activities and resources all month long. You can check out week one's activity, "8 Scarf & Ribbon Activities Blog Post" and "8 Scarf Music and Movment Activities for Elementary Music Class YouTube Video".

We are so excited to be giving back with a big giveaway and hope you will join in on the celebration!

It's Music and Movement Month! Click here to get the details about our BIG GIVEAWAY and find out how you can join the celebration.
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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 Month – Celebrating With a Giveaway! appeared first on Bear Paw Creek.

]]> Best Parachute Activities and Songs https://musicandmovementproducts.com/best-parachute-activities-and-songs/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-parachute-activities-and-songs Tue, 21 Mar 2023 10:30:39 +0000 https://musicandmovementproducts.com/?p=59664 Best Parachute Activities and Songs In 2022, we added a new product to our creative movement prop line, the Small Play Parachute for Kids. Since then, it has quickly grown in popularity and we have loved seeing everyone's excitement over it. Seeing as it has […]

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Best Parachute Activities and Songs

In 2022, we added a new product to our creative movement prop line, the Small Play Parachute for Kids. Since then, it has quickly grown in popularity and we have loved seeing everyone's excitement over it. Seeing as it has been several months since we introduced the parachute, I thought it was about time to share some parachute activities and song ideas that you can use to make parachute play, even more, fun and educational.

Keep reading to learn about the benefits of parachute play and get parachute activity ideas to use in your next session, circle time, or during at-home play.

Plus, I'm going to share a list of songs to use with the parachute from a new resource that I am beyond excited to tell you about!

The Benefits of Parachute Play for Kids

We all know that children learn very well through play, imitation, and exploration — music and movement combine these using a range of different senses. Music and movement activities improve coordination, gross and fine motor skills, cognitive development, strengthen imagination, and so much more. To learn more about the benefits of music and movement activities, you can check out one of our other blog posts here.

Music and movement activities are even better when paired with creative movement props. Props are used as an aid to reinforce or support movements, concepts, skills, imagination, and creativity in the music space. What happens when you incorporate parachute activities into your music and movement time? What unique benefits does the parachute offer?

  • Teaches children to listen and follow instructions well
  • Encourages cooperation and teamwork
  • Reinforces turn-taking, sharing, and promotes social interaction
  • Promotes communication and language skills
  • Helps develop a sense of rhythm
  • Introduces physical activity as fun
  • Assists in developing hand-eye coordination, balance, and mobility
  • Teaches problem-solving

Our small play parachute is 30" wide with four handles, making it perfect for one-on-one use, for three children and an adult, or four children with an adult supervising. And, you still get all of the same benefits with the smaller version as you do with the full-size one. Having the smaller parachute also allows you the option of one-on-one time with a child that the large parachute cannot give.

If a child has certain skills that need improving or issues that need to be further addressed, but can't be done in a group setting, the small parachute allows you to work with the child one-on-one while still getting the amazing benefits of parachute play.

Benefits of Parachute Play for Kids & the Best Parachute Activities and Songs - www.BearPawCreek.com
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Here is a great video shared by DiscoverDance Education on Instagram that showcases the size of the parachute and one of the ways it can be used. In the video, it is being used by an adult and early teen.

"In 2018, DiscoverDance and Bear Paw Creek teamed up to create the DiscoverDance Prop Collection. Over the years, DiscoverDance has had the honor of testing and incorporating all of their props into the DiscoverDance program.

Their latest creation is the small play parachute for kids. It is perfect for toddler hands, small classes, or caregiver and tot pairings. It’s easier to maneuver due to its size and weight, and it’s quieter for those children who are sensitive to the loud noises a large parachute produces."

-Andrea Trench, DiscoverDance

Parachute Activities

There are so many different parachute activities out there as well as music to go with them. Here are just a few of our favorites that would work well with the Small Play Parachute!

1.) Popcorn: Put soft or very light balls on top of the parachute, like these. Everyone involved should stand and hold a handle. Shake the parachute and quickly move it up and down, the balls will look like popcorn popping! To add a fun challenge for older kids, place an even amount of two colors of balls on the parachute. For example, you could use six red balls and six blue balls. If you have four kids around the parachute, then divide into two teams. If you are working with just two individuals, each person is on their own team. The red team wants to shake the parachute while keeping their red balls on and getting the blue ones off. Blue team tries the opposite.

2.) Don't Drop the Balloon Ball: This is similar to the Popcorn parachute activity and the well known game "The Floor is Lava", but is a little bit easier for younger children. Take one of our Balloon Balls (they come in several fun patterns) and place it in the center of the parachute. Slowly begin to move the parachute up and down, side to side, try to get the Balloon Ball to spin around, but don't let it hit the floor! The goal is to keep it on the parachute while moving it around. This helps reinforce the skill of concentration, communication, and teamwork while you work together to keep the ball from touching the ground.

3.) Catapult: This could also be done with the Balloon Ball or, you could even try using a bunch of the small soft balls linked above. Place the ball in the middle of the parachute then everyone goes, '1, 2, 3, LIFT!" The idea is to throw the ball as high as you can in the air. If you're indoors, can you hit the ceiling? For more of a challenge, add some weight. You can throw some of our Bean Bags on the parachute and try to get those to catapult as high as possible. It won't be as easy as the Balloon Ball or soft balls!

4.) Merry-Go-Round: Have everyone turn sideways and hold a handle. They walk around in a circle to create a "merry-go-round". Change it up and have them skip, hop, or march around in a circle. Play around with the music, you can pause it, cueing the participants to switch directions. This would be a great activity to incorporate with music that varies in tempo. When the music goes fast, try to make the merry-go-round go as fast as possible! When it goes slow, try to walk in slow motion.

Keep reading for a list of songs that will go perfectly with these parachute activities.

Songs to Use With the Parachute

Have you ever heard of Children's Music with Nancy Kopman? I hadn't until a few months ago! Nancy Kopman is an Early Childhood Educator, recording artist, performer and music curriculum builder. Her "Music With a Purpose" is used by educators, therapists, caregivers and families worldwide. Nancy's songs and classes (both in-person and online) focus on movement, connection and learning together while having fun. She currently has six albums available for purchase, both as downloadable and physical CDs. You can check them out here.

Several weeks ago I reached out to her asking about her blog post, Parachute Games and Songs for Young Children. This led to a conversation about different ways we could collaborate with each other, since her music fits so well with our creative movement props. We now have several projects in the works and are beyond excited about this new partnership! Be sure to to follow Nancy on her social media pages and also check out her Patreon community. You can also find her music on Spotify.

Nancy sent me a list of her favorite songs to use with the parachute that I will list below, they would also work very well with our Stretchy Bands!

  1. "Shake, Shake, Shake", from "Senses" (written specifically for the parachute)
  2. "Walk Around", from "The Seasons" (see the song in action with a large parachute here)
  3. "Bicycle", from "The Seasons"
  4. "Breath In, Breathe Out", "from "Wonderful You" (nice slow movements with a parachute as you breathe in and out)
  5. "Horses", from "Senses"
  6. "Popcorn", from "I Am A Tree"
  7. "In and Out", from "I Am A Tree"

I hope all of the parachute activities and songs shared will be fun additions to your music class, circle time, music therapy sessions, or during at home play. Music and movement, especially when paired with creative movement props, is such a fun way of teaching children very important skills and we are honored to play a part in that!

Bear Paw Creek Benefits of Parachute Play for Kids Best Parachute Activity Ideas Early Childhood Development Resources Teaching Tools for Parent Best Educational Toys for Kids
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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