Toddler Music Ideas

1) Keep singing those lullabies!

2) Play the “toddler drum.” Ask them to sing a vowel sound (AHHHH, or OHHH work great) then gently tap their back so that it becomes a syncopated sound. Then they can play the Mommy or Daddy drum when it is their turn. It's toddler music for the whole family.

3) To lovingly connect with or calm a toddler try “talking with your heart.” The sound of the heart is an “Ahhhh.” Hold your child chest to chest with your heads to the right so that you are heart to heart. Focus on the love you have for your child and say/sigh “Ahhhhh.” Ask them to say “Ahhhhh” at the same time. Repeat three times or as long as you both are enjoying it.

4) Make up a “dinnertime ditty” as you are cooking and sing the menu. Choose a silly operatic or folk style and sing! For example: “Tonight we are having peas! Tonight we are having peas! Come set the table please.”

5) Learn a grace that you can sing at mealtimes.

6) Go on a listening safari. Bring a pad and paper and sit somewhere and listen then draw what you have heard and talk about the sounds around you. This safari can happen anywhere! Some good places to try are: in your house, in your yard, in the park, while you are on the road or when you are visiting a friend house.

7) Listen to birdsong in your area and learn to identify birds by the songs that they sing.

8) Be a band! Make and use your own instruments to make up your own songs or to accompany recorded music.

9) Create family performances. Take turns singing or playing instruments together. Have a weekly after dinner performance time.

10) Take your child to see live music performances. Open air events like street fairs are the best opportunity for young ears. Be careful of noise levels and leave if your child seems uncomfortable with noise levels. Talk about what you liked about the performances.

By doing these things you are teaching your child how to appreciate the wonder around him, that you value music and musicians and that music can be fun for everyone.

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