The same activity from 5 month to 6 years?

You bet!

It's not easy to imagine how a 5 month old baby, and a 6 year old child can enjoy the same basic activity, but it is completely possible. AND easy!

No prep necessary for this activity! Just grab these things from your kitchen

All you need:

• Pots

• Bowls

• Spoons (both metal and wooden if possible)

Babies:

Simply sit behind your baby and show her, by placing your hand over hers and holding the spoon - how to beat the different pots etc. This will teach her action-reaction as well as exercise those small hand and arm muscles, and her hand-eye coordination.

Your baby will enjoy this activity, especially if she feels secure with mom or dad close by.

From 1 year to 3 years they will enjoy the same type of chaos and noise with these pots and bowls!

1-3 year olds:

Give your toddler one of the spoons and keep one for yourself. At first just tap the bowls and sing a few songs together. Explain to him the differences between the sounds he hears and remember to tap it individually so that he can hear.

Now start tapping the bowls in distinct rhythms, for example “1-2, 1-2” or “1-2-3, 1-2-3” on each bowl and give him a chance to copy your example.

4-6 year olds:

• Give your child one of the spoons and keep one for yourself. Tap the bowls and explain the clear differences between the different materials to him.

• Tap the bowls in distinct rhythms, for example “1-2, 1-2” or “1-2-3, 1-2-3” on each bowl and give him a chance to copy your example, just like with the above activity.

• Now vary the speed of the rhythms, for example with the rhythm “1-2-3-4” the first two beats can be slow and then the last two can be quicker.Let him close his eyes so that he can’t see which one you’re hitting.

• Ask him to guess which one you’re tapping. Demonstrate to him and then also close your eyes and tell him to tap while you guess.Tap out the rhythms of your favourite songs, by not just focusing on the beat but also on the melody.