Author: Gumnut Music
The Shaker Song
Everyone loves a good shaker song – here is mine! I love this song for it’s an invitation to create. It is written to encourage children to bring forward their own ideas and challenge the “rules” of how this instrument should be played. When sharing this song, I suggest pausing just before each new action….
This is a Face
‘This is a Face’ provides the opportunity to learn and sing about the features of our face. In addition to drawing faces, in this video, we also design faces with play dough. This sensory learning approach of singing with materials encourages creativity and enhances fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. In particular, this play approach…
Ladybug, Ladybug
When we sing echo songs with children, we are drawing from the Orff-Schulwerk method of music education. In this approach, educators provide phrases of a song during the learning process for children to echo back. This approach involves singing for children rather than with them. In doing so, children are empowered by the built-in “control…
Three Speckled Frogs
This popular nursery rhyme is a favourite for its presentation of early numeracy. I have added to the songs musical potential by packing our play full of learning that includes invitations to vocalise, exploration of the timbre of the guiro shaker and a rhythmic motif that children are invited to learn and play along with…
Meet Too Shh Ti-Ti
You’ve met the notes; now put them together! Our rhythms use the Kodály method and are designed for young children. Even the smallest child can develop their ear training skills and learn to master rhythms quickly using this method. We’re not so much focused on the playing of the instrument but on the speech and verbal rhythm…
You Can’t Make a Turtle Come Out
Come play peek-a-boo with a shy little turtle and then join in for some dramatic play. Peek-a-boo play is widely recognised for its cognitive benefits for babies, but it is also packed full of learning for toddlers too. Social interaction forms the beginning of all communication, making an interactive game like peek-a-boo a great way…
The Dog Says, “Bow Wow”
This finger rhyme promotes language development, memory building, parent and child bonding and is sure to bring laugher and smiles as you gently pinch your little ones pinky finger with an “OW!” Lyrics The dog says, “Bow wow.”The cow says, “Moo, moo.”The lamb says, “Baa, baa.”The duck says, “Quack, quack.”And the kitty cat says, Mee-OW.”…
Homemade Shaker
Up for an easy DIY shaker? Not long after making these shakers, E and I discovered that they make the PERFECT jellyfish for the song Three Jellyfish. Play along with us here. What you’ll need Toilet paper rolls Wrapping paper Stapler Rice and/or pasta Ribbon or streamers Glue Scissors
Shell for an Ear
Finding a large shell on the beach, holding it up to your ear and hearing the waves inside as a child always felt like discovering treasure. This song is about just that! I’ve teamed the play with some breath work and egg shakers so children can explore healthy breath control and dynamic work. Featured Products
Mini Class – The Aussie Bush
G’day mate, let’s head into the Aussie Bush! Do you have your claves ready? E and I teach you a beautiful indigenous Australian lullaby. Next, grab your egg shakers so you can play along to an Aussie classic with my ukulele. Finally, listen to the recorder… can you guess the melody it plays? Featured Products