Red Light, Green Light

Materials

None

Instructions

1. Discuss with the children that musicians are artists and that they play many
kinds of instruments.
2. Explain that one type of instrument is a percussion instrument, which means
that sound is made from something hitting against something else. Tell them
that they can make percussion instruments with their hands by clapping.
3. Show the children how different substances in containers make different
sounds. Ask them why they think this is so. For example, why does rice sound
different from rocks?
4. Give each child an empty container. Encourage the children to pour a few
spoonfuls or handfuls of various items into their containers. (You may want to
encourage them to limit the variety of items they choose so that you have as
many different sounding instruments as possible. You may also want to limit
the amount they put into their containers because less "stuff" in the
containers enhances the sound.)
More to do
Put on marching music and encourage the children to dance or march with their
instruments.
Dramatic Play: Set up an orchestra in the Dramatic Play area.
Games: Make pairs of identical containers to create many different soundmatching
games.
Sorting: Make several pairs of containers ahead of time. Give one to a child and
challenge him to find its mate.