Family Music & Movement: Songs + Instruments + Dance

Level 1 focuses on concrete, hands-on musical learning.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

- A collection of various child-safe percussion instruments (shakers, rhythm sticks, maracas, tambourines)

- A larger, soft instrument like a drum or a large cardboard box to use as a drum

- A boombox or speaker for playing music

- A variety of upbeat, family-friendly music with different tempos

- Pictures of different family members or families doing activities together

- Optional: Scarves or streamers for dancing

Learning Objectives

- Children will be able to move their bodies to the rhythm of music.

- Children will participate in making musical sounds with instruments.

- Children will express themselves through song and dance.

- Children will identify and discuss different family members.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather the children in a circle. Display the pictures of families and ask, "Who is in your family?" Encourage them to share names and relationships.

2. Introduce the instruments. Say, "We're going to make music today, just like families have music in their homes!" Let children explore the sounds they can make.

3. Play a slow song. "Let's move our bodies like we are very sleepy members of our family getting ready for bed," you might say. Encourage slow, gentle movements.

4. Play a faster song. "Now let's move like we are playing with our brothers and sisters or dancing at a family party!" Encourage energetic movements.

5. Introduce a simple song about family, like "Finger Family" or "My Family is Special." Sing it together, encouraging actions for each family member.

6. Distribute the instruments. "Let's play music for our family song!" Guide them to shake or tap along with the rhythm.

7. Have children take turns holding a larger instrument, like the drum or cardboard box, to lead the beat for a short time. "This is like the grown-up in the family keeping everyone together!"

8. Conclude by listening to a calming song. "Our families have quiet time too. Let's move slowly and peacefully like we are hugging our loved ones."

Educator Tip

This activity provides a wonderful opportunity to involve families. Consider sending home a note asking children to share a favourite song their family sings together. You can also invite families to join for a "Family Music Time" at the end of the unit. Ensure instruments are clean and age-appropriate to prevent choking hazards.

Assessment

Observe children’s participation in singing and dancing, noting their ability to follow the beat. Note their engagement with the instruments and their willingness to share them. Listen to their contributions during discussions about family members, looking for emerging vocabulary related to family relationships.

Educator tip

Model language; ensure safe space for movement.

Assessment

Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Teacher checklist: engagement, rhythm attempts.

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