At Christmas time, kids often takes center stage and the fun and learning also help little ones when it comes to both kindergarten readiness and community.
Has your child had any special songs or other activities to sing and show at daycare, preschool, playschool, church or other group? There is certainly learning for the kids on stage. The hardest is probably coping with excitement and nervousness. Whether those feelings are children’s own, or ones they pick up from teachers, caregivers, and parents, all children are dealing with how to handle their emotions.
Some little ones become very subdued and will look but are not able to do much talking or singing. Some of them will have an opposite reaction and look, talk, and bounce all around. (This is evident even in a quick picture just by noticing their body posture and what they are doing with their hands.)
Another challenge is being able to maintain focus despite all the distractions. Children are also practicing being a member of a group and listening carefully to others. They need to listen for cues and watch the leader for any actions. Memories get a workout remembering what to do.
Performances also help boost connections to others and create community. There is even learning for those of us who are watching! You may also be able to watch a school, choir, band or other group performance with your little one and sing or clap along.
All of this learning comes into play even for a performance that may be less than a minute long!! It might not seem like it at that very moment, but isn’t it fun, too?