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One of my biggest challenges is coming up with music activities for groups of 15 or more. In July, I met the challenge head on during two weeks of Wahode day camp through the Autism Society of MN. These activities are engaging, FUN, and promote peer interaction and socialization skills.

1) The Hampster Dance: large parachute and beach ball. This is seriously one of the greatest songs of all time. Listen to the youtube link, and you will be dancing before you know it. The beach ball helps everyone work together!

2) I’m in the Mood: various small handheld instruments. Adapted for the ever popular Raffi song, this song works on sharing, passing, and following stop and go directions. Big hits this week were the quack sticks, xylophone drum, and potato shaker!

3) Shake Your Groove Thang (Alvin and the Chipmunks version): scarves. Much like the hampsterdance, this song is one of the top requested activities.

4) Old Dog Blue: colored dot mats, 2 of each color dog, gather drum. A adaptation from our original Old Dog Blue activity, hand out 1 dog to each individual, and when you sing the verse with that color, they have to come to the middle, put the dogs in the drum, and do a dance around on the dots. Encourage the others to clap along and cheer to inspire some creative dancing!

5) Ocean Drum Pass: ocean drum, relaxation music. Kids and ocean drums are magnetic. Put on some of your favorite relaxing music (our favorite is Ryan Judd’s Relaxation CD) and have the kids pass the drum in a circle as quietly as possible. It’s always helpful to assist in passing in case a storm brews!