Materials
musical instruments (triangles, rhythm sticks, drums, tambourines, sand blocks )
masking tape
CD of lively music
CD player
Instructions
l Set up a chart of basic shapes: circle, triangle, square, straight line, rectangle.
l Tape large circle, square, rectangle, and triangle outlines to the floor. Also use
tape to make a long straight line.
What to Do
1. Gather the children together. Show the children the instruments. Say the
instruments' names, and demonstrate how to play them.
2. With the children, review the names of the shapes on the shapes chart.
3. Give each child an instrument and encourage the children to practice playing
their instruments. Talk with the children about the shapes of their instruments.
4. Put on some music, and invite the children to play along with the music.
5. Occasionally, stop the music, and direct the children to move to the shapes on
the floor that match the shapes of their instruments.
6. Once at their floor shapes, ask the children to describe the shapes of their
instruments.
7. Have the children come back together in a single group, trade instruments
with one another, and repeat the activity.
Assessment
To assess the children's learning, consider the following:
l Can the child name the shapes of the instrument she is playing?
l Can the child go to the correct shape outline on the floor?
