“Playing Music” makes rhythm and tonal come alive, giving children the opportunity to explore, manipulate, and “practice” music at their own level. “Playing Music” with a group of children offers particular joys and challenges.
“Playing Music” as a group offers the joy of making music as an “ensemble,” but without the need for precision. The group effort can encourage shy children to participate and overactive children to cooperate. A little creativity goes a long way with “Playing Music.” The same charm that you use to engage children in delightful day-to-day activities will draw them into “Playing Music” with deliberate intent and stimulate musical growth. Your sense of your children will guide your creativity.
Simplicity is the key in "Playing Music." The musical "story" has to be prime. A spontaneous circle game or "folk dance" can be a delightful vehicle for "Playing Music" as a group. Walk around the circle hand in hand for a verse or two, then change directions for the next. Raising hands together, walking into the circle together, bending, bouncing or swaying on the beats all provide options to continue the "folk dance" and playfully saturate the Rhythm or Tonal Activity.
Items you have in your setting can become “musical instruments” for "Playing Music." Pom pons, hoops, puppets, blocks, stuffed animals, scarves, can all be used musically. So can empty toilet paper rolls! The best musical instruments for your children are the items that you use musically while “Playing Music.” The children will imitate your model and “practice music” independently.
Look around your setting for items that can be used musically with your children. Start the Rhythm or Tonal Activity and while chanting or singing along, model the use of the “musical instrument” so that it accompanies rather than dominates the Rhythm or Tonal Activity. Keep the Activity going and while chanting or singing, pass out one of the items to each of your children. You might start with the children you know will follow your model, so that appropriate use of the "musical instrument" becomes the standard.
Each CCS Lesson includes one suggestion for “Playing Music” in the home setting. Browse the full resource of suggestions and let the ideas trigger your creativity and sense of humor with your children. Advanced Activities offer many more ideas that you can adapt for the age and level of your children. "Playing Music" encourages interaction with Rhythm and Tonal Activities, stimulating music learning and sheer joy.
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