22mo–3y10 minMusicFree playFamily time
Loud/Soft, Fast/Slow Kitchen Band
A playful ‘copy me’ sound game using household items to introduce language for loud/soft and fast/slow, supporting experimentation and simple rhythm control.
What you'll need
Essentials
- one 'drum' item (e.g., pot, plastic tub, or sturdy box)
- one 'drumstick' (e.g., wooden spoon)
- one 'shaker' (e.g., sealed container with a little rice/pasta)
Nice to have
- a scarf or towel (to dampen sound and show soft/loud contrast)
- a favourite simple song you can sing while playing
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneExplores and learns how sounds can be changed.Mind· 2.5y–4.2y· stretch· Steps 1, 2
- MilestoneCopies a tapping patternMind· 2.8y–3y· core
- MilestoneProduces a simple rhythmMind· 2.8y–3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneShows an interest in the way musical instruments sound.Mind· 22mo–3y· stretch· Steps 1, 2
- MilestoneCreates sounds by banging, shaking, tapping or blowing.Mind· 7mo–10mo· stretch· Steps 1, 2
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· stretch
- MilestoneCompares object propertiesMind· 2.8y–5y· stretch
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneAdjusts to stated expectationsHeart· 2.5y–3.7y· core· Step 4
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Introduce children to language to describe sounds and rhythm, e.g., loud and soft, fast and slow.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)