A slower paced song encouraging children to bend, spin and cross the midline.
FOCUS AREAS: [proprioception] [crossing the midline] [coordination] [vestibular system] [balance] [calming]
Source: Catch a Song, Deanna Hoermann & Doreen Bridges (1985)
Extension?
- This song lends invites for lots of different ways to slowly move through space. Ask the children, “how might wind move in the air? How might leaves fall down onto the ground?” Use scarves, ribbons or even leaves to support their gentle, slow movement.
- Babies: This can be done at any time a moment of calm is needed. With the baby on your knees, holding them in your arms or if they are laying down in front of you; imitate the “bend” of the wind and “fall” of the leaves by manipulating their legs, arms or gently rocking their bodies from side to side.
Lyrics:
Bend with the wind,
Bend with the wind,
Sway, sway
And bend, bend with the wind.
Fall with the leaves,
Fall with the leaves,
Fall, fall
And fall, fall with the leaves.
