We are celebrating Week of the Young Child with rhythm, joy, and homemade instruments.
Happy Music Monday, friends! Whether you’re busting out a full-on dance party in the living room or just tapping out a rhythm on the table during snack time, music is a magical part of early learning. It builds coordination, language skills, self-expression, and pure, unfiltered joy.
And guess what? You don’t need a full orchestra to get started, you’ve got everything you need right at home.
Make Your Own Mini Band
Turn everyday items into instruments with your littles and create your own jam session! Not only is this a fun hands-on activity, but it’s also a great way to practice fine motor skills, pattern recognition, and creative thinking.
Shaker Eggs
Supplies
- Plastic Easter eggs
- Rice, dried beans, or lentils
- Duct tape
Instructions
- Fill the egg halfway with rice or beans.
- Close it tight and tape around the seam to secure.
- Shake, shake, shake to your heart’s content
Paper Plate Tambourine
Supplies
- 2 paper plates
- Dried beans
- Yarn or ribbon
- stapler
- Hole Punch
- Optional: Paint, crayons to decorate the plates
Instructions
- Place dried beans between the plates
- Staple the edges of the plates together
- Punch one hole between each staple
- Tie ribbon or yarn into each hole.
Straw Pan Flute
Supplies
- Drinking straws
- Tape
- Scissors
Instructions
- Cut Straws into different lengths
- Line up the straws from longest to shortest
- Tape the straws together, then blow across the top like a pan flute.
Learning Through Music
Making music encourages self-expression and strengthens early learning in so many ways. Kids learn to listen, follow rhythms, anticipate patterns, and build confidence by creating something of their own.
So go ahead, get noisy, get silly, and get grooving. Let your home or classroom turn into a joyful jam session this Music Monday.
Want more WOYC fun? Stick with us all week over on our Facebook and Instagram pages as we share more playful learning ideas every day!