Age Group: 2–5 years
Learning Areas: Creative Arts, Physical Development, Communication, and Social Skills
Objective:
To introduce children to different sounds, rhythms, and ways of expressing themselves through musical instruments.
Materials:
- A variety of child-safe instruments (e.g. tambourines, shakers, drums, xylophones, bells)
- Carpet or mat area for group time
- Optional: a Bluetooth speaker to play simple rhythms or songs
Instructions:
- Circle Time Introduction:
- Show each instrument and invite children to guess the sound it might make.
- Let each child have a turn to explore one instrument.
- Group Exploration:
- Distribute instruments to each child.
- Play an upbeat song or steady rhythm and encourage children to join in.
- Rotate instruments so children can explore different sounds and ways of playing.
- Copy the Beat:
- Clap or tap a rhythm and encourage children to mimic the beat using their instrument.
- Sound and Movement Game:
- Play music while children move around and play their instruments.
- Pause the music — when it stops, everyone “freezes” in place.
Extension Ideas:
- Experiment with soft vs loud and fast vs slow rhythms.
- Add instruments to storytelling time to enhance engagement and sound recognition.
🧠 EYLF Learning Outcomes:
Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
- 1.1 Children feel safe, secure, and supported while engaging in a group setting.
- 1.4 Children learn to interact with care, empathy and respect during turn-taking and sharing.
Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
- 2.1 Children develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities through shared music experiences.
- 2.3 Children become aware of fairness as they take turns and include others.
Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
- 3.2 Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing by using instruments safely and engaging in movement.
Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
- 4.1 Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, enthusiasm, and creativity.
- 4.2 Children develop a range of skills and processes such as problem solving and experimentation through musical play.
Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
- 5.2 Children engage with a range of texts and gain meaning from music and sound.
- 5.3 Children express ideas and make meaning through music, movement, and drama.