Why this book now? Children sit too much. They sit in silence, hunched over a cell phone, iPad, Kindle, or computer. Their fingers are the only body part moving, and only in repetitive motions-for hours on end. Technology has contributed to children moving their bodies and using their voices less and less. Let's Move! Let's Talk! Let's Go! is an antidote for these current trends and describes games supported by original poetry and illustrations. This book provides easy-to-follow guidelines for the caregiver and child.
Who is qualified to be a leader of the games? Everyone! The game leader does not need to have any special training. The leader can be a teacher, parent, sibling, or babysitter.
Where can the games be played? Everywhere! All the games can be played without any special space or equipment requirements. A living room, basement, recreation room, classroom, or backyard are all useable spaces for playing the games.
Praise for Let's MOVE! Let's TALK! Let's GO!
"This is a welcome book to the children's market. The integration between movement in body and voice to convey expression is wonderfully accessible. Many texts deal with speech and movement separately; here we are presented with the fullness of both. And, as we are more fragmented via computer technology, this book gives budding learners a chance for clear communication and action."
- Cheryl Clark, CMA, BMC(R), RSME/T, Senior Faculty member at the Laban Institute of Movement Studies, NYC, and on the faculty at the College for Performing Arts at The New School.
"This book is a terrific resource for dance teachers, classroom teachers, music teachers, and families. It is a creative and practical book that provides ideas, teacher prompts, imagery and rhymes to introduce young children to the building blocks of expressive dance and dance-making through the lens of Laban Movement Analysis. Early childhood is a pivotal time for brain and body development and this book is a wonderful addition to the field of dance in early childhood."
- Deborah Damast MA, Director and Clinical Associate Professor of Dance Education at NYU Steinhardt.
"This book is a useful tool to any pediatric occupational therapy practice. The book captures ways to teach clinicians, parents, and caregivers how to inspire and grow a child's human potential through the connection to their bodies and emotions. The book's poetry, games and fundamental use of breath are creative and playful additions to an occupational therapist's sensory integration toolkit."
- Carol Battistone, M.A., OTR/L, 29 years in private practice, NYC.
Barbara Adrian (author) is a Professor Emerita of Theatre Arts, Marymount Manhattan College. She is a Certified Movement Analyst in Laban Movement Analysis and holds an MFA in Acting from Brooklyn College. Ms. Adrian is an Artistic Associated and Voice and Speech Coach for New York Classical Theatre (NYCT). She also has an international reputation having taught workshops in Glasgow, London, Berlin, and New York City. Among her publications is Actor Training the Laban Way: An Integrated Approach to Voice, Speech, and Movement, 2nd edition (NY: Allworth Press, 2024).
Nancy Lushington (author) graduated with honors in dance from Adelphi University. She danced as a soloist the May O'Donnell Concert Dance Company, Joyce Trisler Danscompany, and Leonard Bernstein's Mass at the Kennedy Center amongst many others. She has choreographed over 30 works for colleges, universities and regional companies. She has taught internationally in Cyprus, Austria, Spain, England, and at Bolzano Danza in Italy. She has served on the faculty at Adelphi University, Montclair State University, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, among others. She is currently Associate Professor of Dance at Marymount Manhattan College, where she teaches technique and pedagogy.
Cydney Bittner (Illustrator)
Cydney Bittner received a B.A. in Studio Art and Illustration & Animation from Marymount Manhattan College. Her illustration credits include Libby the Ladybug Learns Helpfulness by Carly Furino, George the Alligator Finds a Home by Margaret Sansom, The 7 Days: A Classic Nursery Rhyme Made New by Deborah Burns, and Bella the Buck-Toothed Ballerina by Amanda Montoni. In addition to her work as an illustrator, Cydney works as an art instructor in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Website: cydneybittner.myportfolio.com
