Playtime Activity: 3 Years

Turn on music and dance with your child! You don’t necessarily have to use children’s music either. You can use classical music or use other music that you feel is appropriate as a parent. See if your child can keep the rhythm by clapping to the beat. You can even get out some rhythm sticks (spoons from the kitchen work just fine) and start a marching band. Give her a turn to be the band leader. This will work on her confidence and physical development while also having fun!

Possible Intervention Strategies & Supports

• With very familiar tunes, lower the music and encourage your child to continue singing. This will work best with repetitive songs. Have a pretend microphone for her to sing into. Try continuously stopping and starting the music. Have your child “freeze” when the music stops and “unfreeze” when it starts back up.

• If needed, create pictures to represent songs and/or fingerplays. Have your child choose which songs she would like to sing.

• If your child is hesitant to move to music, try some simple motor movement games first, such as Simon Says or Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes. You can say “touch your head” and demonstrate, and see if your child will copy the movement.

• Add some fun gross motor challenges, such as walking backward and marching in place.

Tips

Talk to your child about “loud” sounds and “soft” sounds. Show her how to tap the sticks (or spoons) softly/lightly, and then show her how to make them sound louder. You can also incorporate the concepts of “fast” and “slow” into this routine.

Family Handout

Click here to download an editable one-page handout of this age range's playtime activity, interventions, and tips.