Windwand Movement Cards
by Jennifer West / ga02152007
 

Windwand Cards (Word Document)

I made my windwands with canning lids and thin strips of ribbon (curling or cloth) cut long and tied in the middle onto the lid.  Be sure to spread each child out to give them plenty of movement room and to avoid accidents (like bumped noses...it happens!) 

After I have handed out the windwands, I usually do a little follow the leader type of thing to get everyone used to following direction.  This is done while singing the song, or the chorus or verse or part that you need them to learn or review.  The best singers (or pick a child using the choosing sticks method) get to come up and pick a card (face down or from your hand or from a bag) and then you put the cards chosen in a pattern that the kids can follow.  I of course try to make it easier for the junior kids than the senior kids.  With the older children I will mix it up or take a way the cards one at a time to see if they can memorize the pattern.  They love to make it tricky!  The cards don't have "where" to do the movement so I usually add more spice by calling out "left, right, overhead, by feet, etc." throughout the song.  It's a lot of fun and lets the kids get out some of their wiggles while learning songs too!