Thoughts on musical Instruments during singing time

[ScoobieDoop]

Views on this?
It seems to be the thing to do at playgroups these days - to get a box of musical instruments out at the beginning of the singing session for toddlers to hold/shake.

I thought singing sessions were supposed to be about providing an opportunity for toddlers to benefit from the well-publicised benefits of learning nursery rhymes. Language development, rhyming words, etc. And the joy of singing together :-) LOL

I've noticed that children holding musical instruments just sit there playing with them, without singing at all (my ds does anyway). They can barely hear the words with all that instrument noise. Do they really need to sit holding another toy, after they've been playing with toys for over an hour already?

Not saying musical instruments don't have their place - like provided for a couple of songs, with some direction how to use them, rather than for the whole singing session.

Yes I know this isn't a big issue - before everyone comments "who cares?" LOL

You’re right actually. It totally frowns out the singing. Probably better th have some songs with instruments and some without.

I agree with you, but maybe the leaders aren't confident in presenting singing by itself? Maybe you could show them how.

I sing a lot to my kids in the home, but I know a lot of Mums who don't, because they do not feel confident about their own voices. I think there should be a mix of both - perhaps bring the instruments out half way through.

I go to a few groups every week and they are now all doing this, all through the singing. I don't think it's the leader's lack of confidence - they are very confident. It just seems to be the thing to do these days. We have become a bit obsessed with giving our children objects, instead of enjoying simple things in life.

I think it's fine but then I think its better that everyone can join in, not just those who can/enjoy singing.

And I think an egg shaped shaker is one of the simple things in life.

OK, let me put it a different way - simple, shared human interaction. Singing with others, rather than focusing on shaking your own toy independently to everyone else, without listening to anybody else (or being able to hear them!) - which is what is really going on. Singing involves listening.

“Oh can dd choose a song without instruments
Wants before we give them out please? She loves old macdonald this week!”

Not every small child likes or can sing OP. I've seen classes like you describe and usually half a dozen mums and maybe a couple of the oldest children sing whist the rest sit around apathetically or try to escape. Personally I think pure group singing as you describe is good from age 3.5- 4+. At a younger age a lot of movement is needed.

Yes, good idea, why don't you suggest it to the leaders (presumably volunteers?) I'm sure they'd agree to have some songs without, or better still offer to lead on the songs so you can just sing instead