By contributing writer Kristen
I really enjoy playing music in my home. It just sets a nice atmosphere for my family. I really prefer having music on instead of the TV, and since becoming parents almost two years ago, my husband and I especially love playing music for our son. Music makes us all happier!
Last Spring I invested in a toddler music class for my son and I to take together, and I am glad I did. However, it is easy to encourage your toddler to enjoy music at home, and it is much cheaper. I created a toddler music station so we can enjoy music together! This is a great activity to break out mid afternoon, when things might start to get testy. This is also a great way to let loose with your child and to have fun!
Since my son has been born, we have accumulated a few music toys. There are also many items around the house that can be used to make music.
Toddler Music Station
Gather some or all of the following items to create your toddler music station.
Baby Rattles
My son’s baby rattles were stored away, but I brought them out because they are great music makers!
Egg Shakers
I made this simple egg shaker with one of my son’s Easter eggs. Simply fill the egg with beans and glue it shut.
Bells
Bells are so fun for kids to play with! Dig into your Christmas decor to see if you have any bells to add to your toddler music station.
Drums
We don’t have a store bought drum in our collection yet, so I let my son bang on this pan with a wooden spoon.
Silk Scarves
When we took our toddler music class, the kids had so much fun dancing around with the silk scarves! These would make a great addition to any toddler music station.
Slide Whistles
Slide whistles can be fun for kids to play with.
Homemade Musical Instruments
Hop online and look at all of the neat homemade instruments you can make. If you have older kids, they would be great helpers for this project.
Children’s Music
Make sure that you have some children’s music to play during music time.
Toddler Music Time
Have fun with your toddler music station and don’t worry about the noise! Know that this type of play develops all kinds of skills and is very good for them.
- Clear out a space for dancing and acting silly during music time!
- Put on some children’s music. Songs that require hand motions and clapping are always a good idea.
- Encourage your toddlers to dance around the room. Dance with your kids too! They will enjoy getting silly if you participate.
- Encourage them to use all of their musical instruments and show them how to achieve rhythm.
- Sing along with the songs that are playing.
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