Feelings Music Makers
To develop emotional expression and regulation through creating music that matches feelings.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Personal, Social & Emotional
- Learning area: Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Matches sounds to emotions
- Uses music for emotional expression
- Creates emotional compositions
- Identifies emotions in music
Materials
- Variety of instruments
- Emotion cards
- Recording device
- Performing space
Instructions
CONNECTING SOUND TO EMOTION: 'What does angry sound like? Show me with an instrument! Yes—loud, fast drums! What does calm sound like? Gentle, slow bells. You're making emotion music!'
CREATING COMPOSITIONS: 'Let's make a feelings journey. Start with worried (quiet shakers), then brave (building drums), then proud (triumphant tambourine)! You're composing!'
USING FOR REGULATION: 'You seem frustrated. Would you like to play the drum really loudly for a minute? Sometimes getting the big feelings OUT through music helps us feel calmer.'
PERFORMING FEELINGS: 'Would you like to play your feelings music for the group? Everyone listen—what feeling do you think this music shows?' Build confidence through performing.