After a visit to the library and the borrowing of a book on how to incorporate a ‘music nook’ into a classroom, it got me thinking about developing musical skills and appreciation in very small children. (ie, 2-4 yrs) Percussion is always the best place to start with a focus on rhythm.

So here’s my first idea.

What you will need.
* a strip of stiff material or thin pliable leather
* some small bells (you can pick them up at manchester stores or craft suppliers)
* a piece of dowel about the length of the width of an adult palm.(By that I mean adult hand not tree)
* some tacks.
* needle and thick thread.

Firstly, construct a simple instrument using the above materials. Sew the bells onto the material or leather then tack the leather strip to the dowel.
Now for the ‘fun’ bit.

Make some rhythm cards and have them bash out a rhythm on their “bells”. using lines (which as they grow you can turn into musical notes and teach them to distinguish between quavers and semi-quavers…etc.) mark rhythms.
// /// // ///

/ /// / /// / ///

/ / / / / / / / /

//// // // //// // // ////

This teaches, rhythm, basic math, music appreciation, motor skills, recognizing patterns, and serves as an introduction to music. Studies have shown that children who play an instrument tend to out perform their peers academically. Besides it’s just darn good fun!

Submitted by: Pirra