This is a post out of the 31 Days of Morning Circles. You can find the main page for this series here.

Even though we do quite a bit of singing throughout the morning circle, I add a more formal musical element to the circle once a week.

Note: If you’re reading this series for the first time, I suggest you look at the daily structure post to understand the routine we follow in our morning circle.

The simplest way to include music is with percussion instruments. We have a modest collection of instruments, but they are used in various ways, so my son never gets bored with them.

A variety of percussion instruments.

A drum set with nature-made drumsticks!

Rhythm sticks get used the most because they offer such a pure sound. My son doesn’t always tolerate instruments with high pitches, so rhythm sticks provide the gentle, natural sound we both can work with.

Rhythm sticks. A set for a child, a set for an adult.

Music activity for morning circle

Ensure the child can hold rhythm sticks while you hold your own set. If they can’t, hold their set along with them (hand-over-hand, with consent),

Then:

• Tap a rhythm, and ask the child to repeat
• Tap loud and soft, and ask the child to repeat
• Tap the child’s favorite objects (like a car, a doll, a book), and ask the child to imitate

Resource 

For additional ideas for music in the circle or anytime, you need to visit Ryan Judd’s website. Ryan is a music therapist who shares many original videos and songs for using music with a neurodivergent or disabled child. He has such a wonderful connection with his students. Ryan not only gets them to interact through music, but he also helps them build life skills, such as social skills. Visit The Rhythm Tree video blog part of his site. Pack a lunch; you will be there for a while! (Note: I am not an affiliate. I am sharing this because I love Ryan’s work. The quality is exceptional).

What music activities can you include in the main activity part of your morning circle?

Related Article:

• Musical Experiences