Action Word Dance Party
Call out action words — jump, spin, stomp, clap — and do them together with your toddler, turning vocabulary into a full-body experience.
What You'll Need
- 1Phone or speaker for music (optional)
What You'll Need
A clear, safe floor space
Music player (optional but fun)
How to Play
Clear a safe space. Put on upbeat, toddler-friendly music if you'd like.
Start with something familiar: "Let's CLAP!" Clap your hands and encourage them to copy.
After 10-15 seconds, call a new action: "Now let's STOMP!" Stomp dramatically.
Continue: "SPIN!" "JUMP!" "WIGGLE!" Say each word clearly before doing the action.
Add silly commands: "FREEZE!" — toddlers find the sudden stillness hilarious.
Ask your toddler: "What should we do next?" Name whatever movement they offer.
Mix fast and slow: "FAST stomping!" then "Slooow stomping."
Wind down with calming actions: "Let's sit... let's breathe... let's rest."
Tips
Action words (verbs) are some of the trickiest for toddlers to learn because they're abstract — you can't hold a "jump." By pairing the word with the action in their own body, you make it concrete and memorable.
Don't worry about perfection. A toddler's "jump" might be a knee bend. A "spin" might be a wobble. Name what they're doing and celebrate it.
This is a sneaky way to burn energy on a rainy day. Five minutes of stomping and jumping will tire out even the most energetic toddler.
Try adding animal-themed actions: "Let's WADDLE like a penguin!" or "SLITHER like a snake!" This builds both action vocabulary and animal vocabulary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 10 min, with 0 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: phone or speaker for music (optional).
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 1-2 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors or outdoors?
This activity works great both indoors and outdoors, giving you flexibility based on the weather or your space.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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