MELODICONNECTIONS
OUR
01
Making Music Fun
It doesn't get any easier than this. Clear a large space and crank up the music. Bring out an assortment of fun toys—hula hoops, bean bags, rubber balls, scarves—and start dancing!
The more musical options you have to enjoy, the better. We sample a variety of songs to discover which genre the children likes best: pop, rock, country, folk, jazz, or classical.
It's as simple as it sounds. Blast some of your kid's beloved tunes and dance to your heart's content. Then, when they least expect it, yell "freeze!" and stop the music. See what funny positions you both wind up in. How long can you hold them?
02
Composing Music
You might not believe that elementary schoolers can compose music, but they absolutely can if set them up for success. Give the kids symbols to draw that represent different ways they can create rhythm. For example, an X might be a handclap and a circle might be a food stomp. we also use instruments like a triangle or a drum.
The kids can come up with their own sequence of sounds and write them down using the symbols.
03
Learning Music Tempo
Bring out a variety of songs with a variety of tempos. Ask your kid to dance accordingly, encouraging them to speed up if the music is fast and take it easy when the beat slows down.
Join in the fun, setting an example of how your child should follow. For instance, slowly slide on your belly during a ballad or do jumping jacks while a dance song plays. See who can come up with the most interesting move.
04
School Band
This one works best if you have a variety of kid-size instruments at school, such as a drum, harmonica, or ukulele. Everyone gets an instrument and the jam begins! This can be done with music playing in the background or without.
