Memory Games

The challenge here is for the teacher to remember which instruments cue which movements.

Objectives

Children ages 4-5 years can carry out in order, a simple command containing 3 unrelated parts Lang. IA
Children ages 2-2 ½ years can make rhythmical responses such as bending knees, swaying, and singing Lang. IIIB
Children ages 2 can follow simple directions Lang. IA

 

Materials

A set of musical instruments.

Procedures

1. The teacher introduces a sound accompanied by a corresponding movement. For example, a tambourine is the signal for the children to move their hips in a circular motion. Let the children practice the movements before starting the game.

2. The teacher begins playing the tambourine and the children do the corresponding movement. When the teacher stops playing, the kids freeze, repeat starting and stopping for a while.

3. A new sound and movement is now introduced. For example, at the sound of the drum, the kids jump up and down. Let the children practice this new sound/movement pairing for a while, stopping and starting as the music indicates.

4. Now alternate both sounds; the kids perform the movement corresponding to the sound they hear.

5. If, after doing this for a while, the children have no trouble with two sounds and movements, a third combination could be added.

6. Clarify this activity by making sure cue sounds are quite different. If kids still have any trouble, one teacher could lead each movement.