Dancing Hand-Trotting Pony

Dancing Hand – Trotting Pony: Hand Gesture Games, Songs and Movement Games for Children in Kindergarten and the Lower Grades

Children love these games for the pure joy of movement. In their dancing rhythms adults, also, will find that the active involvement of the hands with the tongue revives the whole human being. In a series of happy games for the dancing, playing hand the movements of hands, fists, thumbs and pointers fit to the spoken word in poetry and song. They stimulate the speech center in the child’s brain and promote speech development. A second group of games portrays animal games. These are magical, as they transform us into snail, bunny, pony and many other creatures. They lead us to the wellspring of the joy of existence and active participation in the world around us.

About the Author

Wilma Ellersiek (1921-2007) taught music, speech, and dance at the Stuttgart Music Academy. Her research into the effects of rhythm, movement and language on young children led to the development of the first gesture games, which became foundational to Waldorf early childhood programs worldwide. She is also the author of Gesture Games for Autumn and Winter, Gesture Games for Spring and Summer, Giving Love, Bringing Joy and Dancing Hand, Trotting Pony.