The Farmer’s In His Den is a lovely song for a group of children. It’s a great choice for playgroups and parties because it is a simple circle game, that gets everyone involved. Kids really love it’s catchy “EE-I-AD-I-O” refrain, and they’ll often pick it up well before they can sing the rest of the words. […]
Old MacDonald Had a Farm : First Nursery Songs
Old MacDonald Had A farm has to be the best known children’s farmyard song. It’s easy tune and repetitive chorus is often one of the first songs a toddler will sing along to. The EE-I-EE-I-O is such an appealing refrain that toddlers will join in singing it often before they can manage the other words. […]
On The Importance of Live Orchestral Music for Kids
I have just come home from a concert by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the music still ringing in my ears. As I sat back in my seat and absorbed the magic I felt all tension and distractions wash away as the instruments merged together and became an organic body, capable of provoking emotions and soothing […]
Little Bo Peep Hide And Seek Game
Little Bo Peep is a delightful nursery rhyme, with a simple melody with a small range of only a fifth (So-Do) which is perfect for when small children are just learning to pitch notes. It tells the story of Little Bo Peep, who has lost her sheep and is searching for them, and little ones […]
Jack In A Box : Action Song
Jack in a Box is one of those short action songs that small children never tire of. They love the idea of hiding in a box at the beginning and the end of the song, and the bouncing up and down in the middle. A really good way to play this kids action song is […]
The Balloon Song : Introducing Do Re Mi
The Balloon Song is a fun and engaging way to help children practice playing and recognising Do Re Mi and the intervals of the scale. This activity is perfect for toddlers because it’s simple melody and actions are so easy to pick up. And a beautiful, bright balloon comes in handy when singing this song […]
Little Miss Muffet and Spider Finger Rhymes
Little Miss Muffet is a lovely little song which happily lends itself to a makeshift puppet show. All you need is a favourite dolly, a bowl and spoon and a little pretend spider on a string. You can make a spider easily either with an egg carton and pipe cleaners or something like the pin […]
Row Row Row Your Boat : First Nursery Rhymes
Row Row Row Your Boat is one of the first songs a toddler will be able to grasp and always a popular favourite. Its simple rocking, rowing action in pairs is great fun and possible for even very little ones to enjoy. Singing songs with a partner is a lovely way for toddlers to grow their […]
5 Little Speckled Frogs : Counting Songs
5 Little Speckled Frogs is the perfect counting song for preschoolers to practice their numbers with a very catchy tune. The song has a strong rhythm and a memorable tune and is great for tapping along to with sticks or tambourines. If you have enough people you can act it out, children love pretending and […]
How to Tell the Difference Between the Rhythm & the Beat
The difference between the rhythm and the beat in music can often cause confusion. But it doesn’t matter if you don’t play an instrument or haven’t had music lessons before – here’s a simple explanation. The beat is the steady pulse that you feel in the tune, like a clock’s tick. It’s the beat you’d […]