A xylophone is an excellent instrument for young children. It produces a variety of interesting sounds, and can be played sitting down or, by toddlers, standing up.
Points to consider
* Most educational xylophones are made with detachable keys. Striking them hard causes keys to dislodge, and if the instrument is knocked over, they all clatter off. But xylophones are more robust than many think. The keys becoming dislodged won't cause damage; it's just a nuisance.
* Some suppliers stock xylophones that have the keys laced so they don't bounce off. Buy several pairs of shorter length felt beaters (or beaters designed for children with special needs with easy-to-grip handles).
Activities
* Set out the xylophone and two pairs of beaters on a carpet, or take it outside. Place a thick blanket or small rug underneath it, so when you've had enough of the sound, or it's time to clear up, you can simply wrap the xylophone in the rug or blanket.
* Play partner the children on the carpet area by joining in with playing the xylophone and copying what they do. The children will enjoy this and soon begin to settle into simple, imitative turn-taking routines of quite regular length and patterning. Forming regular rhythmic patterning is a kind of simple musical structure. It doesn't matter that the pitches are random. You will soon notice patterns and regular ways that children play.
Suppliers
* Music Education Supplies, tel: 020 8770 3866
