Family Music & Movement: Songs + Instruments + Dance

Toddlers learn through action + music.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

A collection of child-safe percussion instruments (e.g., shakers, small drums, xylophones, rhythm sticks)

Pictures or drawings of different family members (real photos are wonderful if families have shared them)

A soft rug or mat for movement

Scarves or ribbons for dancing

Speaker or music player

A printed copy of song lyrics (optional)

Crayon or marker and paper for optional drawing

Learning Objectives

Children will actively participate in singing familiar songs related to family.

Children will explore playing simple percussion instruments with guidance.

Children will move their bodies expressively to music, imagining dancing with their family.

Children will verbally or nonverbally identify different family members when prompted.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Begin by gathering the children in a circle on the rug. Say, "Today we are going to sing songs about our families and shake, shake, shake our instruments! Who is in your family?" Hold up pictures of different family members as you ask.

2. Start with a simple, familiar song like "The Wheels on the Bus" or "If You're Happy and You Know It," adapting lyrics to mention family members ("Mommy's hands go clap, clap, clap"). Encourage children to sing along and do the actions.

3. Introduce the instruments. "Look! We have instruments that make sounds, just like a band you might have at home with your family!" Model simple rhythms on a drum or shakers.

4. Pass out instruments to the children, one or two at a time. "Let's make music for our families! Shake your shaker gently." Guide them in exploring the sounds.

5. Play a lively song. "Now let's dance like we are at a family party! Can you twirl like your mommy or jump like your daddy?" Offer scarves or ribbons to enhance their dancing.

6. Pause the music and hold up a family picture. "Who is this? This is Grandma! Can you dance like Grandma?" Encourage children to move in ways that represent the person.

7. Invite children to hold an instrument and try to play along with a gentle song. "Can you play your drum softly for our music time?"

8. Conclude by gathering the instruments and saying, "We made such wonderful music together! It makes me think of all the fun music we can make with our families."

Educator Tip

Ensure instruments are age-appropriate and non-toxic, checking for any small parts. Offer a variety of instruments to cater to different sensory preferences. For children who are hesitant, invite them to watch first or offer a scarf to wave instead of an instrument. Consider asking families to share a favourite family song beforehand to incorporate into your music time.

Assessment

Observe children's engagement in singing and movement. Note their willingness to explore instruments and their ability to follow simple rhythmic patterns. Listen for any vocalizations or attempts to sing along. Document instances where children respond to prompts about family members or move in ways that represent them.

Educator tip

Use choice questions; keep groups small.

Assessment

Observe and note: emerging independence, two-word combinations, imitation of actions, and early pretend play. Use Development Matters non-statutory guidance checkpoints. Observe participation, movement to beat.

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