Classroom Management & Discipline Special Times in the Year
Children of all ages enjoy “Dum Dum Dah Dah.” In this quick movement break, a leader establishes a pattern and the group chants or sings the words as they echo the leader’s actions. It’s taken from Energizers! 88 Quick Movement Activities That Refresh and Refocus, by Susan Lattanzi Roser.
1. If necessary, discuss the meaning of the word “echo.”
2. Share ways to maintain self-control while staying in one place.
3. Now begin. Children simply repeat your words and actions, like this:
Leader says:
Dum Dum and claps thighs twice, then Dah Dah and claps hands twice.
Group echoes leader, saying:
Dum Dum while clapping thighs twice, then Dah Dah and clapping hands twice.
4. Repeat, varying movements and pace as you wish. Try starting off at a low energy level, moving up to medium, and then on to high. Then, transition back down through the energy levels in reverse, ending with very calm movements. During the last round, whispering the words or softly saying “Shh Shh shh shh!” works well.