Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Cognitive Development (CD)

Subdomain: Creative Expression

Goal: Children demonstrate self-expression and creativity in a variety of forms and contexts, including play, visual arts, music, drama, and dance.

Skill Progression: Music/dance

Age: 18-21 Months

You may choose a different domain, go back, or click on a skill below for more information.

Play music and all join in the dance. Give everyone a plastic bowl and spoon to make a drum. Bang on the drum to keep beat with the music. Dance around with the music and drum.

After dancing, singing and playing the drums, sit on the floor and take turns playing loud and soft on the drums. The adult starts playing softly, then asks the child, “Am I playing loud or soft?” Ask the child to play softly. Play loudly and ask, “Am I playing loud or soft?”

See if the child can distinguish loud and soft sounds and/or imitate these sounds, indicating a beginning understanding.

Not all families enjoy having noise making instruments in the home, but children of this age will make drums out of everything, so it might as well be paired with music. This is a good way to instill an understanding of patterns and let the child practice what they are learning.