Music Activities to Boost Language Development and More
Music activities for preschoolers not only stimulate the brain and music appreciation, but have been proven to improve language development in children. Through songs, dancing and playing musical instruments, little learners are getting math, science, social-emotional and language development in early childhood.
Making noise is a natural part of life beginning with infancy. Offering young children a few new ways to use their newfound voices and love of anything that shakes, rattles, and rolls, you can help boost their brain development.
Abigail Flesch Connors' best-selling book, 101 Rhythm Instrument Activities for Young Children, offers activities for young children to stretch their creativity.
Below is one of her popular activities - click to find more!
Animal Footsteps
This activity explores the variety of sounds you can get from a drum when you vary the rhythm, the speed, and the force with which you play it.
The children should be sitting in a circle. Pass the drum around so that each child has a turn to make "animal footsteps" on the drum. Each child can choose a different animal. Here are some ideas:
- elephant - pound drum with fist
- mouse - "scurry" fingertips on the drum
- rabbit - make fingers "hop" on the drum
- horse - pat a galloping rhythm on the drum
- snake - glide one finger around on the drum
- cat - use soft, slow taps
For more fun rhythm activities, check out 101 Rhythm Instrument Activities for Young Children!