More Musical Instruments for Preschoolers
Music Instruments include Finger Cymbals, Rainmakers, Tambourines
Nov 9, 2007
If you’re looking for musical instruments beyond shakers, bells and sticks, here are some great ideas for your children:
Castanets
Castanets are readily available for young children, often made of brightly-colored plastic instead of wood. They are about 2 inches across, usually with slight indentations for the fingers. The spring hinges let them pop back open after being clacked together, and are a favorite for kids who love music.
Finger Cymbals
Small brass cymbals, about 2 inches across, with knobs or loops of fabric for young fingers to hold. These give a delightful metallic accent to songs.
Tambourine
An all time favorite, available in a variety of sizes. Many tambourines have just the round frame with the metal disks, but they may also come with a covered drum head that can be tapped. Great for playing and dancing at the same time.
Tambourine Sticks
A tambourine’s pairs of metal disks are arranged on a handle to make a tambourine stick. It’s much easier for a young child (toddler and preschooler) to hold and make music with than a standard tambourine.
Woodblock or Tone block
Woodblocks are made of hardwood and often carved into various shapes. Tap a striker against them to create a sharp sound. Some woodblocks are created to have two or three different tones depending on where they are struck, and some are combined with guiro-type ridges for scraping sounds as well. Parents who value their sanity may want to hold this for special occasions.
Clatterpillar
This inventive musical toy creates a rhythmic sound while helping a child develop coordination. It’s a long, flexible rectangular shape made of interlocking segments with handles on each end. A child holds both ends and then pushes and pulls his hands to create a curve with the Clatterpillar. When he moves his hands, the curve shifts while “clattering.” Can be somewhat mesmerizing for grown-ups, too!
Rainmakers
Rainmakers are the young child’s version of a natural rain stick. They are clear plastic cylinders filled with tiny, colorful beads, which fall down through a interior maze when the rainmaker is turned top to bottom. The falling beads create a sound like rain on the roof. Fun for children to play, watch and listen to.
Chiquita Shakers
Chiquitas are like egg shakers on a handle. Colorful, widely available, and a favorite of children. Play them in opposites: high/low, loud/soft, etc.
Musical Instruments are Special
To encourage your child to appreciate the instruments, plan a special place to keep them. A shelf, a spot on their dresser, a place in a drawer, will all reinforce the idea that these are instruments, not toys.
Buying Musical Instruments for Children
Instruments for children can be hard to find at a local store, but are readily available in catalogs or online. Some favorites are Rhythm Band, West Music, or a children’s music program such as Kindermusik. Or do an internet search for "children's musical instruments" and you'll find plenty.
For more ideas, read:
Music Instruments for Preschoolers
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