Skills, Skills and More Skills
Dance videos provide loads of entertainment for children, but what about building key skills as well? 5 Little Monkeys makes it very easy to incorporate skills like fine/gross motor, phonics, rhyming and logic. Try putting finger puppets on while acting out the video, this use of their hands or even help making the puppets will build fine motor skills. Dancing is a wonderful form of movement among small children, have them get up and dance or even act out the nursery rhyme while the video is being played. This will work on their gross motor skills. Phonics can be introduced by focusing on the letter M for monkeys and planning activities around that. Rhyming is an obvious choice that would be enjoyed as well. Children love the easy repetitiveness and the ability to predict what the next word will be. This is a great way to earn confidence even, feeling assured and validated that they have learned the rhyme.
Oh the Topics We Can Explore
Nursery rhymes are known for their topics and this one does not come up short. The first topic that comes to mind when watching the video is definitely safety. Certainly, there is a better way for the monkeys to play other than jumping on the bed. This gives parents a chance to discuss following rules as well as safety. They are both equally essential to children’s understanding of consequences if not followed. Especially since going to the doctor is not something most children look forward to. The next topic would be listening. Listening skills, are without a doubt, an ongoing topic for young children and their parents. The mother and doctor constantly warning the monkeys, allows children to see the repercussions of not listening. Hopefully watching the monkeys antics play out will remind them why it is imperative to use their best listening ears.
Educational Experiences for Parents and Teachers Alike
Dance videos will not only grab children’s attention, but give parents and teachers many chances to have educational moments with them. The monkeys mischief lends many opportunities for parents to reiterate what teachers are going over at school, early phonics, reading, counting and math skills. Not only are we watching the rhyme but counting and subtracting as well. It is even being done in a sing song way that appeals to children while sneaking early math skills in. Parents and teachers can of course come up with numerous interactive activities from the video. From discussing the colors each monkey is wearing and using those same colors in arts and crafts to pretending to be monkeys and jumping around using gross motor skills as well. In addition, using the lyrics opens up a line of communication about letter sounds and rhyming words.
Screen time is a major factor in today’s society, so why not have children spend that time wisely. Getting up and having some movement is not only pleasurable for children and adults but can be a great way to expand their learning. The music is catchy, the colors are bright and the characters are adorable. This nursery rhyme is a barrel of fun for everyone and offers a unique learning experience young children won’t soon forget.