Move to the Tune of Your Own Drum

[15 Minutes]

In some ancient cultures "drumming" was a tribal ritual during which there would be dramatic dancing and chanting. They would call on spirits or special gods with their drumming and dancing, they would pray, wish or tell stories through their music and movements. Maybe you've heard of a "rain dance" which was performed to call upon the rains in times of drought. You can create your own special dance to your own special drumming. You can think lots of happy thoughts and wishes as you dance and drum to see if they come true!

You'll need:

• 2 drums - these can be upside down plastic buckets, toy drums, or homemade drums made from old coffee cans covered with cloth tightly fastened with a thick rubber band. • 2 colorful scarves or scraps of fabric

What to do:

Explain to your child that you will be taking turns dancing and drumming. Explain that it is not only great exercise - but during your dancing and drumming you can actually tell stories or illustrate wishes or dreams by "acting" them out -just like people in ancient cultures!

How to play:

1. Pick your spot for your drumming and dancing.
2. Practice your drumming together. Note the different sounds you can create by drumming on different parts of the drum. You can even hit the sides of the drum, drum with a stick, the palms of your hands or just your finger tips.
3. Invite your child to pick who will practice dancing to the drumming first. Let the first dancer use or wear the colorful scarf to add expression.
4. Now, let the second dancer practice.
5. After your first dancing and drumming practice, talk about different dreams, wishes or stories you each would like to tell.
6. Put your wishes, dreams and stories to drum and movement. Feel the beat of the drum - slow - fast - use your arms and expressions to tell your own special stories!

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• What was the part you liked the most - dancing or drumming? Why?
• Did you like telling a story through your dancing? Was it difficult?
• How else do you imagine people in ancient cultures telling stories?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, this activity provides experiences for developing concepts related to music and exercise.