Easy Music and Movement Activities for Joyful Learning

Inside: Simple music activities for kids to calm chaotic moments, smooth over transitions, or turn a grumpy mood around.

I ignored the high pitched whining and focused on navigating the maze of scattered blocks in front of me. The volume increased as I tiptoed through my living room, balancing a heaping laundry basket on my hip. My shoulders were tense and my jaw clenched. I could feel a meltdown coming.

I abandoned my laundry basket, sat down next to the baby, and sang an enthusiastic rendition of 5 Green and Speckled Frogs. My 4-year-old bounded over to listen.

“Do it again!” he exclaimed. I repeated the song, accompanied by silly dancing and baby giggles. The whole interaction took less than 5 minutes, but that moment of connection changed everything.

Music has a magical way of making us feel good. It can calm us, lift our moods, and bring us together. It’s one of my favorite ways to connect as a family.

Below is a collection of joyful music activities for kids that you can use to connect with your child. Use these ideas after separation, to smooth over transitions, or to dodge an impending meltdown.

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Get Your Groove On

Moving to music will elevate your mood! Have fun connecting with your kids while they develop coordination, memory, and listening skills.

Dance

Have a dance party.
Make up a short sequence of steps together.
Move freely with scarves.
Dance with wrist bells.

Play Games

Roll a ball back and forth as you listen to music.
Play Ring around the Rosie.
Do the Hokey Pokey.
Dance along to The Freeze by Greg and Steve.

Explore the flow of music.

Help your child experience the flow of music by stirring an imaginary pot of soup with both hands while you sing.

Sing, Sing, Sing!

I don’t sing because I’m happy; I’m happy because I sing. ~William James

Singing with kids supports their developing communication skills, emotional regulation, and cognitive development. Don’t worry about being perfect. The point is to show your child that singing is enjoyable and that everyone can do it.

Fingerplays

Fingerplays are simple songs with accompanying hand motions. Here are a few to get you started.

Sing and Sign

These songs use American Sign Language (ASL) for the motions. Enjoy learning a bit of sign language while you sing.

More Simple Kids Songs

These delightful songs are some of our favorites! Once you’ve learned the traditional verses, ask your child for suggestions to add to the songs.

Turn up the Volume

Listening to music brings us together – but what music is best for bonding as a family? According to experts, the key is exploring a variety of music from Jazz, to Classical, to Rock and Roll. As long as the lyrics are appropriate, nothing is off limits! Here are a few ideas to get you started.

High-Quality Children’s Music

Grown-up Music for Kids

As a toddler, my son loved the song Cecilia by Simon and Garfunkel. My 10-month-old currently grooves to Santana’s Oye Como Va. While there is some wonderful children’s music out there, we don’t limit ourselves! Share your old favorites and explore new “grown-up” music with your kids.

Calming Music Activities for Kids

Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest… ~Author Unknown

Music can soothe both you and your child in moments of stress. Use these music and movement activities when you need a moment of calm connection.

Cuddle time

Curl up on the couch with your child and listen to music. Don’t say a word – just listen and enjoy!

Slow Dance

Hold your child and gently sway to a calm and quiet song.

Find Music Everywhere

Invite your child to pause and listen to the sounds around you. After listening, discuss what you heard.

Painting to Music

Put on some music and paint together. Notice how your art is affected by different types of music.

Back Massage

Draw pictures on your child’s back while listening to music together.

Strike up the Band

Rhythm instruments add a hands-on element to music learning. Follow your child’s lead while exploring rhythm and sound together.

DIY Musical Instruments

Try these ideas for making your own musical instruments.

Purchase Musical Instruments

Have some high-quality instruments available for exploration. Here are a few of our favorites.

Related: Favorite Spring Songs for Kids

Cuddle Up With a Good Book

Reading with your child is a wonderful way to strengthen your bond. Make reading time musical with these fun ideas.

Rhythmic Children’s Books

Many children’s books have a natural rhythm. Try rhythmically chanting or “rapping” the words to these fun reads.

Song Books for Kids

These books are based on some of our favorite songs. Sing along as you turn the pages.

Host a Musical Playdate

Everyone deserves music, sweet music. ~Michael Franti

Gather friends and family for a Musical Playdate. You don’t have to be a musician to create space and time to enjoy music as a community. Use the tips below to get you started.

Create a Space

All you need is an open patch of floor! If your home isn’t roomy enough, ask a friend to host.

Collaborate

Ask a friend to “co-lead” with you. You can each focus on your strengths, and support each other in leading the group.

Set the Intention

Send an invitation to family and friends. Include the place, time and a short description of what you’ll be doing. Invite everyone to bring musical instruments and a favorite song to share with the group.

Plan Ahead

Look through this post and make a list of music activities that you feel comfortable leading. Gather materials and make a playlist of recorded music in advance.

Be Flexible

If you don’t get through all of your planned activities, that’s OK! The goal is to leave everyone feeling warm and fuzzy after enjoying music together. Relax, have fun, and roll with it.

A few minutes of connection can make all the difference. Music activities for kids support your child’s development while you have fun bonding as a family.

Easy Music and Movement Activities for Joyful Learning