is watching READY TO GET MOVING? A typical Dance Fit Tots session includes a time to…
Say hello Take it in turns to welcome each other. Sing A great way to stimulate children and help them develop.
Listen Read a story to the group. Move Try to use at least three songs in a session. Chat A pause for refreshments creates a natural space for conversation. Feel A sensory time to explore different textures.
Be calm Blowing bubbles is a good way to introduce calm.
Say goodbye Share a goodbye song and prayer. Not a dancer? Not a problem – tutorial videos can be used in sessions to lead the music and singing, with no leg warmers or leotards required!
The children love to watch the videos and copy them, singing and dancing like Stephanie does child-minders and carers who attend parent-and-toddler groups, a big part of the draw is not necessarily the children’s activities, but the opportunity to have an in-depth conversation with another adult. By using engaging content with an explicit Christian message, Dance Fit Tots also hopes to instigate more of these conversations and provide group leaders and volunteers with an opportunity to talk about their faith. This summer the second volume of Dance Fit Tots songs has been released. At a time when mental health
is such a prominent issue, the songs focus heavily on identity. Songs such as ‘He Made Me’, ‘Body Moving’ and ‘Hey You!’ highlight how God created all humanity in his image, while ‘God Is There’ lays out in simple terms that God is with everyone no matter what circumstances life throws at them. The songs are all available on major music streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Play and YouTube, so that children can go away from their weekly sessions and listen to their favourite tunes at home. There have been reports
of kids as young as two going home and asking their Alexa to play ‘Let’s Reach Up High’ – it’s amazing that these families are at home listening to songs about who God is and how much he loves them. So, if you are looking for something different to introduce to your parent-andtoddler group, or for a new way to reach young families in your community, Dance Fit Tots could be just what you need! O Dance
Fit Tots volumes one and two are available to download for free, along with a leader’s guide, from salvationist.org.uk/resources
DAN ELSON Outreach Mission Partner Music and Creative Arts, THQ
Salvationist 6 August 2022
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