Music has the power to calm, sooth, energize and make
everyone have fun! Try these ideas at your child's next
play date or sleepover for a guaranteed good time.
1. Jamming Art: Turn on some music-upbeat or mellow-you
decide. Without looking directly at the paper, draw
pictures and designs to the beat of the music. Make several
drawings from different types of music.
2. Animal Walk Parade: Play your favorite tunes on the
radio and dance and walk the way your favorite animal
would. Remember, the more friends you invite to play, the
more fun your parade will be!
3. Music Maker Box: Fill a small trunk, box, or dresser
drawer with musical instruments for when inspiration
strikes. Purchase inexpensive instruments at garage sales,
or make your own including tambourines, strands of jingle
bells and film canister maracas.
4. Dance Party: Invite your friends over for a dance party!
Ask each guest to bring along a cassette tape or CD with
his or her favorite music. Play a song or two from each CD
and dance the night away. For super cool invitations, use a
permanent marker to write the details of the party on those
free Internet CDs that come in the mail.
About the Author
Deborah Shelton is a mother, freelance writer, and author
of the brand new book, "The Five Minute Parent: Fun & Fast
Activities for You and Your Little Ones." Visit Deborah's
website for more family-friendly ideas, and a free email
newsletter. Visit FiveMinuteParent.com.
