Stretchy Band Music Movement Activities with Ed Barry’s Rowing Down the Stream

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Stretchy Band Music Movement Activities

A few months ago, Ed Barry, from Songs by Ed reached out to share a new song he had written, "Rowing Down the Stream."  He thought it might be a good fit to use with our creative movement props.  As a result, I thought about the stretchy band because it is a fun one to use for rowing songs.

I also love the message in his song.  The message is one of teaching kids that no matter what comes at you in life, you keep rowing!  This also tied into the theme of one of our favorite children's book, "Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons".

I hope this post will add to your lesson plan or inspire a learning time with literacy, music, and movement!

Children's Music Movement Activities Products Songs by Ed Music Education Connect-a-Stretchy Band Childcare Directors

Eric Litwin's "Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons"

Inspired from my time working in an early childhood center, I call our gathering time "circle time."  This is the time we gather to read books, sing songs, and get some creative movement in. Sometimes I incorporate a craft or sensory play activity to end it with.  We often use our Yoga Dots to create our circle.

I am sure you are familiar with the Pete the Cat series that Eric Litwin has written.  These books are highly engaging and have a good take home message. One of my favorites is "Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons."

Yoga Dots for children stimulates brain development, engages creative play and integrates multiple intelligences
Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons Music Movement Activities
Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons Circle Time Lesson Plan

I love the life message you can teach your children (or adults!), that things will happen in life....keep singing YOUR song! When my kids are fussing or complaining about a broken lego creation or some other mishap, I can remind them "buttons come, and buttons go."  It's a fun way to remind them, life happens, let's have a good attitude and keep moving along.

Check out this video illustration of the book.  If you don't own the book, buy it, or I"m sure your local library will have a copy.

Great literacy, music, and movement lesson plan with Pete the Cat and Songs by Ed: Rowing Down the Stream Share on X

For an example of crafts, I also found these fun children's activity guide that incorporate math, motor skills, and fun from Home Grown Friends.

Showcasing "Rowing Down the Stream"

We've been selling the stretchy band for 21 years now and the connect-a-stretchy band was created in 2014.  In that seven years, it has quickly become a best seller.  With our current social distancing rules for Covid19,  each six foot long section of the connect-a-stretchy band is a good visual. For example, when it is unbuckled and straight, without it being stretched, it is six feet long.  When buckled into a Hub 6,8, 10 or 12, it can continue to show that distance when it is buckled as seen below.

Best Music Games Activities Primary Set of Six Connect-a-Stretchy Bands With Hub 12 Music Educators

 

The Children's Music Network has been a wonderful resource to find new music for music movement activities. I have met some wonderful people through the group, and Ed is a new connection from there!  He shared his new song with and I knew right away it would be perfect to use with the stretchy band.   Like I mentioned above, the lyrics of the song continue to encourage an attitude of contentment and joy.  2020 sure was rough for many people around the world. In such a confusing time, it's nice to have a song to share with our kids to give them positive thoughts.  Below you will see us having fun with the song and connect-a-stretchy band.  Also a taste of the lyrics.   Go check out his whole album...and you can also buy the one song for just $0.99!

"Rowing Down the Stream"

Written by: Ed Barry

©2020 Ed Barry. All rights reserved.

We're rowing...rowing down the stream...we're rowing slow..

Just row your boat and do it...

We're rowing...rowing down the stream

take it gently now..just like the song...

 

A Wise man told me long ago..life is but a dream..try not to mess it up

You go to row your boat slowly...gently down the stream..enjoy all the simple things..

You'll have to savor every minute..don't you worry...you'll see

Choose..your path...

It's a personal thing..you'll find most everything...has a meaning in some kind of way

You go to figure it...give it time and it will come...

It's a magical trip..if you let it be

You never know where your journey's gonna take you

Take the wise advice..and do it gently..Don't miss the things that can make you so happy

 

In conclusion, I hope you will find this information to be helpful and inspiring for your use.

 

 

 

Janet Stephens

Janet Stephens

Janet is the founder, designer, and one of the seamstresses behind Bear Paw Creek's made in the USA line of creative movement props, and bags. She is passionate about her faith, family, and loves the journey of learning and growing this life provides.