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Home > Professional and volunteer resources > Tiny Happy People sessions

Singing and making music together helps babies and children to learn about:

• coordination
• rhythm
• listening
• starting and stopping
• bonding
• turn-taking

Things to think about

• Babies are ready for conversations long before they can talk – they love it if you copy them and take turns
• Turn-taking is the beginning of learning about how to chat and make friends – it is a skill for life!

You will need:

• some pots or pans or other drums
• some wooden spoons or similar beaters
• a smartphone, tablet or screen to watch the film (optional)

Watch the film

Chat with parents/carers

Here are some questions you might ask them:

• what did you all notice?
• what surprised you?
• what did you like?

Instructions for parents/carers:

• Sit with your baby so you are within easy reach and they can see your face. If your baby is not sitting upright yet, support them on your lap.

• Have a few pots and pans, and some wooden spoons to bang them with. Or just use your hands.

• Tap one of the pots gently, saying 'bang, bang, bang' as you do. Look at your baby and give them time to respond. Tap again three times, saying 'bang, bang, bang' and wait for a response again. This might be a big response like laughing or arm waving, or it might just be an interested look.

• Respond to your baby’s response. Laugh if they laugh, and say things like 'what a funny noise!'.

• Try saying 'Shall we do it again?', pause for a response, then 'bang, bang, bang' again.

• Put a pan, or the foil, where your baby can reach. They may reach for it themselves, or you can show them how to tap gently, saying 'you do it – bang, bang, bang!'. Pause and wait to see what they make of this, and respond to what they do next. Talk about what you see: 'did you like that? What a noise'.

• Keep repeating until your baby loses interest or you’ve had enough.

• Try different objects – pans, mugs, shaking keys etc. Look out for other ways to take turns. It could be clapping, chatting, tickling and waiting for a response… anything you both enjoy. If you have other children, they can join in too – they will know what to do, just make sure it doesn’t get too noisy for baby!

*Printable handouts with this activity are available

When babies and children are having fun it is a great time for learning, but you only have to play this for as long as they are enjoying it.

More ideas for parents/carers to try at home

See what else can make a noise.

Look for times to talk about noises when you are out and about – imitate the sounds you hear.

Notice when your baby is making rhythms with their arms and join in.

Have family music sessions where you all have a go!

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