22mo–3y10 minMusicActive playFree play
Scarf & Shaker Sound-Moves
A music-and-movement play session where your child responds spontaneously to music using scarves/streamers and simple instruments, with you watching coordination, start/stop control, and emerging hand preference.
What you'll need
Essentials
- music source (phone/speaker/CD player) with volume you can control
- 1–2 scarves or tea towels (as scarves)
- streamers (ribbons tied to a wooden spoon) OR strips of paper tied to a handle
- one simple instrument (shaker made from rice in a sealed container, or a pot + wooden spoon)
- a clear floor space
Nice to have
- masking tape to mark a ‘dance circle’ boundary
- 2 cushions for a ‘stop spot’
- a small basket to collect scarves/instruments at the end
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
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneMay be beginning to show preference for dominant hand.Body· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneReceptive spatial-word understandingMind· 2.7y–3.2y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneHelps with simple household tasksHeart· 18mo–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneRunsBody· 14mo–2.2y· stretch
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide CD and tape players, scarves, streamers and musical instruments so that children can respond spontaneously to music.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)