What can young children do?

The quick answer to that question is, "Often more than we expect!"

But what can we really expect developmentally from little ones in terms of their musical experiences? Of course, sometimes they will surprise us, but these are some fair expectations of the different age groups. Not a complete list by any means, but it gives us a starting point!

1. Infants and Toddlers can listen, be soothed, sort musical sounds (like rattles, bells, sticks), chant, enjoy instrumental music, have sounds they make imitated back to them, rock, pat, bounce on their bottoms, sway, enjoy active vs. quiet activities and use the "Universal Chant."
(the one that goes "You ca-an't catch me!")

2. Twos can do simple fingerplays, move freely to music, play shakers, sticks, maracas, hand drums, and sing some songs as they develop some language skills.

3. Threes can sing a song in their own key, and they may or may not play with a beat. They enjoy creating "kitchen bands", and like to play triangles, cymbals, and xylophones (though these may present coordination challenges). They are often very receptive to musical play.

4. Fours love to invent new verses to songs they already know - they love word play! They like follow the leader-type games, call and response songs, and echo songs - all of this in addition to everything else above.

The point is to be observant of the child, provide experiences that appeal to a child's sense of play , curiousity, and adventure, and guide them toward expressing themselves in musical way, according to the way in which they learn.