Family Music & Movement: Songs + Instruments + Dance

Level 2 strengthens musical comprehension + expression.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

Assortment of simple rhythm instruments (shakers, tambourines, drums, rhythm sticks)

Pictures or drawings of different family members

Open space for movement

Music player with a selection of upbeat songs about family or home

Scarves or streamers for dancing

A basket or box to hold instruments

Learning Objectives

Children will be able to participate in singing songs about family.

Children will be able to explore creating rhythms with instruments to accompany songs.

Children will be able to express emotions and ideas through movement inspired by family themes.

Children will be able to identify and name different family members represented by pictures.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather the children in a circle and begin by singing a familiar song about family, such as "The Family Song" or "Finger Family." Encourage them to point to pictures of family members as they sing about them.

2. Introduce the basket of instruments. Explain that today they will use these instruments to make music like a family band at home.

3. Select an upbeat song about home or family and play it. Invite children to choose an instrument and create their own rhythms to match the music, encouraging them to think about the sounds they might hear in their own homes.

4. As the music plays, encourage children to move around the open space. Suggest they imagine they are dancing with their families at a celebration or playing together in their garden.

5. Distribute scarves or streamers and invite children to use them to enhance their movements, perhaps imagining they are waving hello to a family member or creating colorful patterns like a family quilt.

6. Pause the music and ask children to share how the music made them feel and what kind of family activities they were imagining.

7. Invite children to take turns briefly showing how they might play their instruments to represent a specific family member or activity. For example, a fast drum beat for playing together, or a gentle shake for a quiet moment.

8. Collect the instruments and end with a final, slower family-themed song, encouraging calm, swaying movements as if rocking a baby or cuddling with a family member.

Educator Tip

Ensure there are enough instruments for each child to have one or two, or to take turns fairly. When selecting music, choose songs with clear rhythms and positive messages about family and belonging. Encourage children to share simple ideas about their own families and home life as part of their musical expression.

Assessment

Observe children's participation in singing and their engagement with the instruments. Note their ability to keep a beat with their chosen instrument and their willingness to move and express themselves creatively. Listen for their verbalizations about family members and their imaginative play during the movement activities.

Educator tip

Require complete thoughts about musical patterns.

Assessment

Assess against Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Document evidence of 'expected' or 'exceeding' descriptors. Note: independent application of skills, ability to explain reasoning, and capacity to build on prior learning. Anecdotal notes + observation of musical engagement.

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