Music and Movement
To develop early musical awareness and movement through songs and rhythms.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Expressive Arts & Design
- Learning area: Expressive Arts and Design
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Responds to music with body movements
- Shows preference for certain songs
- Explores instruments by shaking/banging
- Attempts to join in with actions or vocalisations
Materials
- Simple shakers and bells (safe for mouthing)
- Varied music in different styles and tempos
- Movement scarves and ribbons
- Sensory musical toys
Instructions
Make music a daily presence. Sing to babies during nappy changes, mealtimes, and settling. 'Twinkle, twinkle, little star...' Your voice is the most important instrument.
Watch for babies' responses to music. Do they still and listen? Bounce or rock? Turn toward the sound? Respond to their cues: 'You're bouncing! You like this song!'
Introduce simple instruments for exploration. Hold a shaker where the baby can see and hear it, then offer it to them. 'Shake, shake, shake! You made that sound!' Let them experiment.
Move to music together. Hold babies and sway, bounce, or dance gently to different tempos. 'This is slow music—swaaaay. This is fast music—bounce, bounce!'
Create a soundscape for different moments. Calm music for settling, lively music for active times. 'Let's have some quiet music while we rest.' Help babies associate music with mood.
Include music from children's home cultures. Ask families for songs they sing at home. 'Your mummy shared this lullaby! Let's listen together.' This creates connection and belonging.