Music and Movement - Teaching Online during COVID-19 (I)

As we come to the end of this crazy school year, I know some students will be continuing online learning throughout the summer. Since music instruction may be hard to come by, I wanted to share a playlist of some favorite music and movement resources I have compiled during this time of COVID-19.

When students have to stay inside in order to be safe, just like adults, it’s easy for students to get stuck in their chairs looking at the computer all day. This is very unhealthy. Now more than ever, it’s important for students to find safe ways to express themselves, get their bodies moving, and experience the joy of music and dance.

I have compiled two lists of dance and movement videos with music specifically for kids. In total, there is about 10 weeks of material if you use one video per week. Scroll down for content more applicable to preteens or older students (age 9-12). Please enjoy this content below!

Warm Ups

1. The Good Day Cha Cha by Narwhals and Waterfalls

2. Sweet Beets by Prodigies Music Curriculum

3. Penguin Dance by Jack Hartmann

4. I’m Moving, I’m Learning by Choosy Kids

5. I’m Moving, I’m Learning by Choosy Kids (original version with ASL)

6. Go Bananas! (Peel the Banana Song) by Scratch Garden Songs

7. Thunder Warm Up by Kidz Bop Kids

8. Happy Warm Up by Brandon Herwick

9. 80’s Style Warm Up (Zumba) by We Love Dance!

10. Yoga for Kids with Animals by Smile and Learn

Fun Dance Videos

1. Can’t Stop the Feeling by Music Express

2. Arirang by Music Express

3. Dance Monkey by Kidz Bop Kids

4. Waka Waka by Just Dance

5. Blue Da Ba Dee by Just Dance

6. I am Alive by Let’s Dance

7. Fornite Dance Workouts by Coach Merger

8. The Git Up by Cheer Conditioning Academy

9. The Dinosaur Dance by Little Angel

10. Minions Electronic Song by Zumba with Dovydas (this was my students’ absolute FAVORITE but maybe you will have different results!)

Fun Dance Videos II - Masaka Kids Afrikana

One of my favorite music and dance Youtube channels that I found during this time was Masaka Kids. They have amazing energy, and they are sharing beautiful culture, music, and dance on this accessible platform in a way that can reach so many kids! Give them a like or subscribe, their work is AMAZING!! Here are my favorite videos from their channel:

1. Koti Ko by MastaGann ft. Simone

2. Dancing Champion | #StayHome & Dance with Us by Masaka Kids

Favorite Dance and Music Channel: MrHelioFaria - dancefunfitness

One of my most favorite Youtubers who I discovered over the course of this year is Helio Faria who teaches dance classes online from all around the world, especially Brazil! His music spans all types of genres from Samba and Latin American music to house music, funk, popular songs, soul, afrikana, and more! He is amazing, and his energy helps him be a fabulous role model for kids. I used his samba tutorials to help choreograph my show choir and I used his dance videos as part of my online music curriculum for COVID-19. His content is versatile and full of sunshine! Check him out.

1. Dance Video: Blame It on the Boogie - Billie Jean - Thriller

2. Dance Video 2: Este Party Esta Prendio

3. Dance Tutorial 1: How to Samba Pt. 1

4. Dance Tutorial 2: How to Samba Pt. 2

Resources for Older Students (Preteens)

This is something I’m thinking more about… at this time in students’ development, body confidence can start to become an issue, which sometimes impacts their proclivities for physical activity. I think there is a lot we can do as adults to show a positive example for kids and making sure they get 30 minutes of physical activity per day… even if it’s just a walk around the neighborhood. Just be sure to wear a mask! However, when you have to stay inside, I’d recommend this fabulous resource by the NBA as part of outreach to youth and these videos as well:

1. NBA Junior Workouts

2. Stay Active with Jewell Loyd (she had my favorite video)

3. Yoga Warm Up for Musicians by Music Body Mind

Original Videos (Warm-Ups and Activities)

I’ve also created a bunch of content on my personal channel in my quest to reach students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is the content that best meets my kids needs to get up, get moving, or just have a good time!

1. Warm Up: Dynata Dynata by Ara Dinkjian

2. Warm Up 2: Giant Steps by John Coltrane

3. Sing Along: “Under the Sea” from Disney’s The Little Mermaid

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Thanks for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful summer full of good health and positive ways to keep music in your life!