Paint to Music
Here's What To Do
1
Give your child paper, non-toxic paint, and a paintbrush.
2
Play a lively song with a strong beat. Help your child identify a beat or rhythm in the song.
3
Encourage your child to paint along in time to the rhythm.
4
Pick an instrument in the song to listen for. When you hear that instrument, paint a different color on your child's painting.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Set up your workspace and let your child select the paint colors you will work with.
E
Engage:
- "Can you paint to match the rhythm? You could do up and down or side to side to match the 1-2-3-4 beat."
- "I'm going to paint every time I hear the trumpet. It's loud and fast so I think I'll paint big circles when I hear the trumpet."
E
Encourage:
- Ask your child if they can hear the song's beat. Clap along or sing along with the beat to help them hear it.
- Praise your child's efforts: "You're working so hard to match your art to the music!"
R
Reflect:
- Was your child attempting to listen to the music and match it with art?
Not quite ready?
Focus on using one color for one beat or rhythm at a time
Ready for more?
Complete this activity with one slow song and one fast song; then compare the two paintings
As your child masters this skill...
They will experience how music can inspire and influence artmaking