BBC HomeExplore the BBC

1 January 2010
Accessibility help
Text only
TV and radio Directory A to Z Talk Lifestyle Parenting homepage

BBC Homepage
TV and radio
Talk
Newsletter

Contact Us

Like this page?
Send it to a friend!

 
Children playing a game

Musical games

Clare Walters

You don't have to be a talented musician or accomplished singer to encourage musical activities with your child - and they can be great fun for you both.


Musical youth

High or low? - sing or play a simple tune that uses obviously high or low notes, then ask your child whether she thinks it's high or low. When she understands this, try singing a short musical scale and ask her to tell you if it's going up to the high notes or down to the low ones.

Clap a name - try clapping out the syllables in each family member's name. For example Jon-a-than (three claps), Mar-y (two claps) and E-liz-a-beth (four claps).

Hum that tune - hum a favourite nursery rhyme or song and ask your child to guess what it is. Then ask her to hum a tune for you.

Home-made instruments - make a drum by cutting off the top of a balloon, stretching it over a plastic bowl and securing with parcel tape; or make an eerie sound by blowing across the open top of a plastic bottle filled with water, then pour some water away and try again (the sound should get lower).

See how an inappropriate piece of music can disrupt an atmosphere

Read to music - find a poem or short story with a distinct atmosphere (scary, exciting, sad, funny etc) and read it over a piece of music that echoes the atmosphere. Or see how an inappropriate piece of music can disrupt an atmosphere.

Rounds - sing a round, where people start a song one after the other. Well-known rounds include Three Blind Mice, London Bridge, Row, Row, Row Your Boat and London's Burning.

Your voice is a musical instrument, so use it - and sing!


Back to top

Disclaimer: The BBC Parenting site is provided for your general information only. The information contained on this site should not be treated as a substitute for medical, legal or other professional advice. The BBC is not responsible or liable for the contents of any websites of third parties which are listed on this site.

Elsewhere on bbc.co.uk

Parents' Music Room
CBeebies: sing a song



About the BBC | Help | Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookies Policy