Making the most of instrument time

Giving your little one an instrument while you sing along is doing music right?

Well, in a way, yes. But there is SO MUCH MORE to gain from instrument time - at home and in class!

Playing our musical instruments is a sensory experience. I have intentionally collated a unique and varied selection of instruments to maximise your child's experience, peak their curiosity and optimise the opportunity for language development.

Making the MOST out of instrument time;

1. Take time to talk about the colour, shape and size of the instrument - and if you can - name it - google lens is ace if I'm not about to ask!

2. Talk about the material and texture of the instrument - every week we experience instruments made from Wood, metal and a drum. Some instruments are smooth and shiny, others ridged and rough - have your little one feel them and repeat the description "Oo, isn't the cymbal round and smooth...does it shine?"

3. Talk about how to play the instrument (hit, scrape, tap, shake...) and what sound it makes (boing, bang, boom, ting...). If you can make the sound with a silly face too you'll have some really big giggles as your little one is fascinated by everything you say and do - especially the new things! Younger toddlers will begin to mimic you and your silly sounds which is wonderful vocal exploration and speech development.

4. Lastly - tap the beat on little one or bounce little one on your leg as you sing or play with them to the song or music. This is SO important - as little one explores their instrument and it's often the bit we all forget. But as I always say in class - the beat is so beneficial to your little one - comfort, crawling, walking, speech development, speaking fluently and eventually becoming a fluent reader all hinge on having a good sense of internal beat.

I'm really not worried, at this stage, if the instrument is played "correctly" - this comes with time and showing them straight off can deny them the opportunity of exploring the potential of this wonderful object they've just been given! I've had a fair few photos sent of little ones with instruments on their head, feeding them into letter boxes or most recently - standing on top and getting into the big drum! I love these!

Can't wait to get started? If you've not got instruments at home you can make them - pasta or rice in pop bottles are great maracas, and your pot, pans and utensils are an AMAZING drum kit.

So what are you waiting for? Let's get playing!