Why Music Rule Switch works

The value of Music Rule Switch comes from the choices between its steps, beginning with the request to choose two simple movements such as marching and swaying. Keep the music going while visual cues switch the child between two different movements instead of freezing the dance. That opening should make it easier to understand why the next instruction is to assign one visible cue to each movement, such as a raised hand for march and two hands wide for sway.

Set up — Choose two simple movements such as marching and swaying

No special materials are needed before the child is asked to choose two simple movements such as marching and swaying. The setup is ready when the child can choose two simple movements such as marching and swaying and then move on to the instruction to assign one visible cue to each movement, such as a raised hand for march and two hands wide for sway without a new explanation. Keep movement controlled and sound at a comfortable volume while those two steps are connected.

Step 2 — Assign one visible cue to each movement, such as a raised hand…

One careful attempt to assign one visible cue to each movement, such as a raised hand for march and two hands wide for sway is enough at this stage. Before the child tries to keep the music or steady beat playing continuously, ask them to show or describe what differed from when they had to choose two simple movements such as marching and swaying.

Step 3 — Keep the music or steady beat playing continuously

Use the result of asking the child to keep the music or steady beat playing continuously as a clue for the next decision. Do not move on to switch the visual cue while the sound continues and let the child change movement without stopping until this step has a clear purpose.

Step 4 — Switch the visual cue while the sound continues and let the child…

Ask the child to switch the visual cue while the sound continues and let the child change movement without stopping. Compare what happens with the earlier step to keep the music or steady beat playing continuously, then continue by asking them to let the child control the cues while the adult follows the same two movement rules once the difference is clear.

Step 5 — Let the child control the cues while the adult follows the same…

Let the sequence lets the child control the cues while the adult follows the same two movement rules and treat the result as information rather than simple repetition. If it is unclear, repeat that action before asking them to let the child control the cues while the adult follows the same two movement rules.

What to notice before Let the child control the cues while the…

After the child has tried to switch the visual cue while the sound continues and let the child change movement without stopping, ask what changed. An answer connected to the earlier attempt to keep the music or steady beat playing continuously is good evidence of whether the child can hear or feel the cue and respond without rushing before the final step.

Make Keep the music or steady beat playing… easier or harder

If asking the child to keep the music or steady beat playing continuously is too demanding, shorten the pattern and slow the tempo. Once that step is comfortable, change tempo, leadership, or one position in the pattern before returning to the final request to let the child control the cues while the adult follows the same two movement rules.

Finish after Let the child control the cues while the…

End while the result of asking the child to let the child control the cues while the adult follows the same two movement rules is still clear. Once they can connect it with the earlier attempt to keep the music or steady beat playing continuously, move on to another idea through the activity search or activity generator.