Musical Blocks

[20 Minutes]

Build your child's sense of musical rhythm using blocks.

You'll need:

• wooden blocks • tape, CD or radio music • sandpaper • tape

What to do:

1. Invite your child to find 2 blocks for each of you.
2. Ask her if there is any way that the blocks will make a sound?
3. Demonstrate how to clap the blocks together and invite her to do the same.
4. Create a rhythm or pattern of block claps and encourage your child to copy you. Reverse roles so that you can copy her rhythm.
5. Turn on your favorite music and invite your child to clap her blocks in time to the rhythm of the song.
6. For a different sound, tape sandpaper to one side of each block.
7. Show your child how to rub the blocks together to make sounds.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• What is your favorite song?
• Can you dance while you clap the blocks together?
• What else could we clap or rub together to make sounds?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, your child is developing listening skills and learning to follow directions.