Fun Music Activities For the Whole Family

We want all of our families – those in attendance and those who are at home – to still be able to enjoy fun, educational activities with their children. Below are a few music activities families can enjoy with their children of all ages right at home.

Infants

• Play with toy instruments or with toys that have music features such as a rattle or a play mat. Babies will love listening to the different sounds their toys make.
• Sing songs throughout your day especially during transitions times such as diaper changes, nap time, or bedtime. Change the words to songs such as like “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” to relate to what you are doing.

Toddlers

• Play instruments with your child. No instruments? Make quick and easy instruments using plastic eggs and rice, empty water bottles with rice, or empty cans (coffee, formula) and wooden spoons. Have them play the instrument to the beat of their favorite songs!
• Have a dance party with different types of music. Encourage your toddler to dance and clap to different types of music.
• Paint with music on in the background. No paint at home? Make paint with this easy paint recipe: All you need is 3 cups flour, 3 tablespoons corn starch, 4 cups water, and food coloring. Mix flour and corn starch. Slowly add water and whisk to ensure mixture does not lump. Once smooth, separate into bowls and mix in 2-3 drops of food coloring to reach desired color.

Preschool and School Age

• Play instruments with your child. No instruments? Make quick and easy instruments using plastic eggs and rice, empty water bottles with rice, or empty cans (coffee, formula) and wooden spoons. Talk with your child about the different sounds they hear with the different instruments.
• Outside your child can find nature items to use to make sounds. For example, a stick turns into a rhythm stick. Use your instruments you made or found out in nature and march around the yard like they are in a marching band!
• Practice counting skills while play the instruments.
• Create your own songs with your child. Let them come up with words to similar tunes. Encourage your child to come up with rhyming words in their songs.
• Listen to different types of music (jazz, salsa, country). Have your child listen to the music and ask them question such as “How does it make you feel?” or “Can you tell what the different instruments that are playing?”

What are your family’s favorite music activities to enjoy at home?

The post Fun Music Activities For the Whole Family appeared first on Educational Playcare.