A young boy child playing drums on pots and pans, making music. Education and teaching.Getty 477669135

Resources for children and families

This activity aims to promote creativity, imagination and to allow children to explore different sounds and movements, based on the book ‘Giraffes Can’t Dance’ by Giles Andreae. At the bottom of the page you can view and download PDF posters with ideas for activities and questions.

Activities you can do with children 

  • Ask your child to create a song or dance.
  • Create a costume (this could be a hat) or make a musical instrument.
  • Play an instrument you may already have at home.

We have used recycled materials such as cardboard tubes, plastic containers, cardboard boxes, elastic bands and scrunched up paper. Your child could even use outdoor resources like pebbles, dried leaves or sticks.

Questions to ask children to promote learning through play:

  • What is your favourite song?
  • What you going to make your instrument out of?
  • How do you play for your instrument?
  • Are you solo or in a band?
  • How did you make your instrument?
  • What is your favourite instrument?
  • What is your favourite sound?
  • Can you hear any sounds around us? (If yes) What are they?
  • Do you enjoy playing an instrument or singing?
  • What are some of your favourite dance moves?
  • What is your favourite song to dance to?
  • Can your toys dance too? Are they going to join you in your dance?
  • What about this dance move? (Demonstrate a dance move)
  • What song are you going to dance to?
  • Do you enjoy dancing?

Image for Beyond Words - ESRC Festival of Social Science 2017 music intervention event