Here’s a fun blog post from my publisher, Gryphon House,
about how music and movement activities promote muscle
development.  It includes an activity from my book “101 Rhythm
Instrument Activities for Young Children,” called “Animal
Footsteps.”

Music Activities to Boost Language
Development and More

Music activities for preschoolers not only stimulate the brain and music appreciation, but have been proven to improve language development in children. Through songs, dancing and playing musical instruments, little learners are getting math, science, social-emotional and language development in early childhood.

Making noise is a natural part of life beginning with infancy. Offering young children a few new ways to use their newfound voices and love of anything that shakes, rattles, and rolls, you can help boost their brain development.

Abigail Flesch Connors‘ best-selling book, 101 Rhythm Instrument Activities for Young Children, offers activities for young children to stretch their creativity.

Below is one of her popular activities – click to find more!

Animal Footsteps

This activity explores the variety of sounds you can get from a drum when you vary the rhythm, the speed, and the force with which you play it.

The children should be sitting in a circle. Pass the drum around so that each child has a turn to make “animal footsteps” on the drum. Each child can choose a different animal. Here are some ideas:

• elephant – pound drum with fist

• mouse – “scurry” fingertips on the drum

• rabbit – make fingers “hop” on the drum

• horse – pat a galloping rhythm on the drum

• snake – glide one finger around on the drum

• cat – use soft, slow taps

For more fun rhythm activities, check out 101 Rhythm Instrument Activities for Young Children!

– See more at: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/resources/activity/music-activities-to-boost-language-development-and-more#sthash.dBilkQnU.dpuf