Musical Mark Making
To develop expressive mark making through music-inspired drawing and movement.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Literacy
- Learning area: Literacy
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Varies marks in response to music
- Makes large physical marks
- Shows awareness of fast/slow
- Engages with mark making willingly
Materials
- Large paper on floor or wall
- Thick crayons and markers
- Music playlist (varied tempos)
- Easels
Instructions
Cover the floor or wall with large paper. Give each child fat crayons or markers. 'We're going to draw what we hear! When the music plays, let your hands move with it!'
Start with slow, flowing music: 'This music is slow and gentle — make slow, swooping marks. Round and round... like waves...' Model yourself, drawing alongside children.
Switch to fast, staccato music: 'Now it's fast! Quick marks! Dots! Dashes! Up and down!' The contrast between tempos naturally produces different mark types — lines vs dots, flowing vs angular.
This activity is NOT about creating pictures — it's about the connection between auditory input and physical mark-making response. Accept all marks as valid representations.
Name the marks children make: 'You drew long wavy lines for the slow music and little dots for the fast music! Your marks changed with the music!' This metalinguistic commentary builds awareness.
Display the finished pieces with labels: 'Kai's marks to slow music' and 'Kai's marks to fast music'. The visual contrast is striking and children love seeing their own work analysed.