22mo–3y11 minMusicFree playActive play
Feelings Make the Music Move
Help the adult use everyday moments to listen to music and watch dance, guiding your child to notice how sound and movement can express feelings and ideas through simple prompts and imitation.
What you'll need
Essentials
- music source (your voice OR a phone/radio)
- a scarf/tea towel OR nothing at all
Nice to have
- a pot/pan and wooden spoon (for gentle tapping)
Movement level: mild
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneCopies movements to musicBody· 18mo–3.3y· core
- MilestoneExplores and learns how sounds can be changed.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneCreates sounds by banging, shaking, tapping or blowing.Mind· 7mo–10mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneUnderstands simple questionsMind· 14mo–2.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneParticipates in songs and rhymesMind· 14mo–2.3y· stretch
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Help children to listen to music and watch dance when opportunities arise, encouraging them to focus on how sound and movement develop from feelings and ideas.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)