Muttering Moths:
Movement Rhymes and More

Muttering Moths: Movement Rhymes and More

Yes, this is a sequel to Casey Caterpillar. However, Muttering Moths takes you in new directions. Open the doors for a fantastic and creative voyage into exploration and investigation, simply by opening the book, Muttering Moths.

Lesson planning can be such a drag. Not any more! Here comes Muttering Moths, with every rhyme, every song and every activity clearly presented. This is a book for Kindergarten teachers, Grade One teachers, parents and for all adults who work with young children. This book is overflowing with ideas on how to stimulate and then guide small children as they explore their own world, the adult world through their eyes and the imaginary world!

The material in this book has been tested on children in regular kindergartens right up to grade five students. One day, I explored a rhyme about a swamp with some grade five students. When lunchtime came they begged to stay and continue. The rhyme, which told a story that they acted out was especially stimulating and inspiring for the boys.

Much of the material in Muttering Moths is feasible, practical and achievable for children with mental disabilities. One such young student giggled with delight each time we sang his favorite song, “Reach Up Your Hands. ” He sat in a wheelchair and needed an aide to help guide his hands through all the motions but it was apparent that he was following along with every word as his face would light up each time the song neared his most favorite part. Today, this young lad understands the word “vigorously” with clarity.

Muttering Moths has so much to offer you and it goes in so many directions that I know there is much here for everyone. There are songs to tickle your funny bone, more songs to familiarize children with body parts, a song to explain the mechanics of a skip, songs to brighten your day and even songs about dancing elephants.

There are goofy rhymes that help the children understand the concept of extending and contracting, catchy songs that reinforce concepts themselves. There are rhymes that help children with physical disabilities work to stretch and rhymes that make us laugh at the way we all fidget!

I know this book is going to stimulate you to come up with more ideas. Already the material in the book has inspired and galvanized children to travel in new directions, to try new ideas, and to create. The difficult part of writing this book has been to stop having the time of my life with the children and to sit down to put the material together for you.

Ellie Braun-Haley is a Movement and Music Therapist currently in great demand as a trainer of Care-Givers and Day Care Workers, Nursery and Primary School Teachers.