DO IT YOURSELF PROGRAMMING – “Libraries Rock!”
A great theme for a Do-It-Yourself craft and game program on Music can be fun anytime of year, but it is particularly relevant if you will be doing the “Libraries Rock” summer reading program. Even if you are doing a different summer learning theme, Music is a wonderful topic for a Makers program since music involves many scientific principles. Below is an outline with several crafts and games that focus on music. For more ideas, check out our plans from 2015 that fit the “Read to the Rhythm” summer theme, which also celebrated music.
Icebreaker: Have recorded music playing and lead everyone in a simple dance, such as “The Hokey Pokey.”
Games and Activities:
Pass the Plate: This is a sitdown game that is a little bit like Hot Potato or Musical Chairs. Kids use rhythm sticks (or chopsticks) to pass around paper plates until the music stops; the person with the plate that has a star wins! See the instructions here: www.yellowbrickroadblog.com/2015/12/pass-plate-rhythms.html .
Match the Sound: Using plastic Easter eggs, put different small objects in ten eggs – but have two eggs contain the same object. Then, players shake them to guess which two eggs have a matching sound! www.stringskeysandmelodies.com/2012/03/game-match-sounds.html
Musical Chairs: If you have a large crowd, divide the kids so they are in a same-age group. Here is how to play this classic game: www.grandparents.com/grandkids/activities-games-and-crafts/musical-chairs .
Local School Performance: Partner with a local school, who can come and play some live music, and then follow up with the students describing their instruments to the crowd. This is a great way for younger children to learn the names of various instruments, and consider taking music class when they are a little older.
Crafts:
Simple Shakers: Using toilet paper tubes, tissue paper, and rice, these shakers are very simple and low cost: https://picklebums.com/music-shakers/ .
Craft Stick Harmonica: This craft is fun, easy, and very low cost: https://frugalfun4boys.com/2016/11/30/sound-science-kids-make-craft-stick-harmonica/ .
Kalimba: Using popsicle sticks and a sturdy paper or Styrofoam plate, make a thumb piano: http://herdingcatsgeorge.blogspot.ca/2010/08/d-popsicle-stick-and-paper-plate.html .
Rainsticks: Have your teen volunteers help the younger children with the hammer and nails: https://theimaginationtree.com/diy-rain-stick/ .
Singing Straws: Using just drinking straws and tape, this easy craft is one everyone can do: http://krokotak.com/2013/04/singing-straws/ .
Refreshments: Be sure and have bottled water, because the dancing activities will make people thirsty! Fruit, such as orange or watermelon slices, are a great snack.
Leave a Reply