Fast and Slow Music
Here's What To Do
1
Place your baby on a blanket on the floor. Play some music or sing to your baby.
2
Hand your baby a scarf, tissue, or handkerchief, and hold one yourself too. Move your scarf to the beat of the music.
3
Use your scarf to interact with your child (move it in the air in front of their face, slide it around their body). Talk about your movements and describe if they are fast or slow.
4
Ask and answer your own questions about what you and your baby are doing.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Smile and make eye contact with your baby. Squeeze their hands or feet.
E
Engage:
- "I see you moving your scarf quickly from side to side!"
- "Do you want a fast or slow song next? Fast? Me too!"
E
Encourage:
- If the scarf is not interesting to your baby, move their arms and legs fast or slow to match the music.
- If your baby moves their scarf, copy their movements and tell them what you're both doing. "We're wiggling our scarf so fast!"
R
Reflect:
- Talk to your baby about your favorite song you listened to together.
Not quite ready?
Even if it seems like your baby isn't paying attention, it's still great for them to hear different kinds of music and experiment with different ways to move their body.
Ready for more?
Ask your baby to copy your movements and see if they do!
As your child masters this skill...
They will begin to appreciate music and try moving to match it.