In this cheerful movement activity set to Raffi’s “Mr. Sun,” participants use scarves or streamers to imitate the sun’s rays while following guided motions like waving, reaching, and hiding.
Instructions:
- Goal Areas: Gross motor skills, body awareness, expressive movement, social engagement
- Set the scene
- Tell clients: “We’re going to call the sunshine out to play” or rephrase to something age appropriate for your group
- Hold up a scarf and explain: “We will use the scarves to be our sun rays!”
- Sing the song live or play it from a speaker if necessary
- Introduce these movements:
|
Lyric Line |
Movement |
|
“Oh Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun” |
Wave scarves overhead in large, sunny circles |
|
“Please shine down on me” |
Reach arms toward self and smile |
|
“Hiding behind a tree” |
Hide scarf behind back or peek-a-boo motion |
|
“Come out so we can play with you” |
Make “come here” motion or jump in place |
|
Final “Please shine down on me” |
Big open arm stretch to the sky |
- These are also included in the printable download as visual cards that can be used if needed
4. Adaptations:
- Use a large stretchy band or scarves tied together in a circle for the entire group to move together with adapted motions
- Use a soft plush, maybe a sun or something sunny, and allow clients to gently pass the sun to each other either handing it from side to side or tossing across the circle depending on capability
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