Looking to add more movement and excitement to your music lessons? Movement props are a game-changer! They’re an easy way to engage students, reinforce musical concepts, and encourage creativity. In this post, I’m highlighting three of my favorite props—scarves, parachutes, and bean bags—and how they can bring your lessons to life.
Each prop has unique benefits, and I’ve shared detailed activity ideas for each in separate blog posts. Here’s a quick overview to get you inspired!
1. Scarf Music Activities
The first movement prop is scarves. Scarves are one of the most versatile props you can use in the music room. They’re perfect for practicing steady beat, exploring expressive movement, and teaching concepts like phrasing or dynamics. From floating like a butterfly to moving to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, scarves make abstract musical ideas feel tangible.
👉 Check out my favorite scarf music activities here
2. Parachute Music Activities
Using a parachute is another option for using movement props in music. Parachutes bring such a collaborative element to your lessons that students absolutely love. They’re great for games that reinforce steady beat, vocal exploration, and even storytelling through music. Whether you choose to use them as a team-building activity, addition to a composer lesson, or to help reinforce musical form, parachute activities are a crowd-pleaser for any grade level.
👉 Get inspired with parachute music activities here
3. Bean Bag Music Activities
Finally, bean bags are small but mighty! These creative movement props are wonderful for developing coordination and practicing rhythm and meter. Whether you’re passing them around the circle to a beat or playing fun listening games, they’re such an exciting way to keep kids moving and learning.
👉 Discover creative bean bag activities here
Why Movement Props Matter
Incorporating movement props into your lessons makes learning more engaging and accessible for all students. They help kids connect with music on a deeper level by activating their bodies and minds, while also promoting teamwork and creativity. Plus, they’re just plain fun!
Young students absolutely light up when they get to use movement props like scarves, parachutes, or bean bags. These tools are more than just fun—they give kids a chance to move their bodies, reset their focus, and channel their energy in a positive way. Little movement breaks like these help students thrive, making them more engaged and ready to dive into the next part of your lesson. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love seeing a room full of happy, engaged kids having a blast?
For detailed ideas and step-by-step activity suggestions, check out the individual posts linked above. I’d love to hear how you’re using movement props in your classroom—share your go-to activities in the comments!
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