Preschoolers Doing Rocking Motion

Esther Kieffer, Cedar Falls IA

Pictured below are 4 and 5 year olds with various disabilities (several have severe behavior problems). After arrival each morning they are allowed free play which can become quite lively and noisy. A bell rings for “Opening.” I start Daniel Kobialka’s “When You Wish Upon a Star” tape. They each come to their carpet square and I lead Rocking Motion. I remind them about ‘quiet and slow’, and emphasize arm movements. However, some notice feet and try that also. (These children have difficult doing two things at a time.) When quiet with Rocking Motion is established, lights are turned off and we sit for about one minute in silence. Music stops and lights come on and we begin our day. Teachers as well as the children seem to benefit from the calming effects of T’ai Chi Chih.