Next Steps

• Start the Savvy Quiz

Core Skills for Music

Click on the skills below to see what you can do at home to help your child develop essential art skills.

show all · hide all

• Recognize short and long sounds (show details)

  Sample Books and Toys

  $24.99		Toy	Melissa & Doug Band in a Box
  $9.99		Toy	Recorder Inspire the musician in your child! Our solid wood recorder is a pleasure to play. Measures 5.5" x 1.5" x 14.5". Ages 3+. Made in China.

  

• Move responsively to music (marching, walking, hopping, swaying, etc.) (show details)

  Sample Activities

  FREE		Elephants on a Spider Web Parent Created Activity Using masking tape inside, or chalk outside, construct a spiderweb frame with three long intersecting lines. Then use the tape or chalk to connect those lines with a spiral, ...more starting in the middle where the lines intersect and moving out. Once the spider web is finished, gather your kids and pick one to start the game. The first child, or elephant, should walk around the spider web while you sing a song: "One elephant went out to play, out on a spider's web one day. He/she had such ENORMOUS fun, he/she called for another elephant to come." Everyone should then shout, "Hey elephant!" and another "elephant" can come play on the web. When the web is full of elephants, you all can sing, "They had such ENORMOUS fun, but the spider web broke and they all fell down!" This is most fun with at least 4-6 kids. If you can, leave the web and be a "fly on the wall" to see them reenact the song by themselves. This song "Los Elefantes" is also available in Spanish on the CD by Jose Luis Orozco, Letras Numeros y Colores. Have fun! (less)
  FREE		Hoppin' Down The Bunny Trail Parent Created Activity What kiddo doesn't love to hear his or her name in a song? Using chalk, mark different "trails" on the sidewalk or use masking tape on a carpet or ...more hardwood floor. The trail can zig-zag, curve, or even go indefinitely in an oval or circle. Then sing, "Here comes Susie Cottontail; hoppin' down the bunny trail; hippety hoppity, Easter's on it's way!" while your child hops around the trail you've created. (Be sure to use your child's name instead of Susie, unless your child is named Susie.) You can change the movements from hopping to skipping, sneaking or running, depending on your bunny's energy level. Props such as bunny ears or masks are cute, but not required. (less)

  Sample Books and Toys

  $15.99		Toy	Walk Like the Animals
  $22.99		Toy	Cranium Hullabaloo DVD Game The Hullabaloo DVD Game turns your living room into a wiggly-giggly animal adventure! Kids learn about animals from all over the world and bounce, twist, and dance on the 16 ...more colorful play pads. Everyone will laugh at the surprises that fill each round! Introducing the new DVD version of two-time Game of the Year award winner, Hullabaloo. This DVD version of the 2003 Game of the Year includes stunning National Geographic animal footage and is sure to provide hours of endless fun. Hullabaloo DVD Game includes the Amazing Animal Adventure DVD and case, and 16 colorful play pads. (less) Review provided by Amazon

  

• Listen to and hear differences in sounds (e.g., identify a bird singing, a car motor, identify family members by voice alone; identify instruments when the instrument is heard but hidden from sight) (show details)

  Sample Core Knowledge Activities

  99 ¢		Counting Sounds Expert Created Activity Support your child's ability to discriminate sounds as she places musical note cut-outs for each sound you make.
  99 ¢		Honk Honk Expert Created Activity Support your child's ability to discriminate sounds as you create different "honk" for each of the cars in this activity.

  Sample Activities

  FREE		Sound Hike Parent Created Activity Take your child on a walk around your neighborhood and listen for different sounds of nature. Can you hear birds chirping, leaves rustling in the wind, sticks breaking underfoot, ...more dogs barking, or water flowing? Now, listen for 'people' noises: people talking or laughing, children playing, cars and trucks driving by, or noisy construction vehicles. Can you hear more nature sounds or people sounds? Have your child mimic some of the sounds he saw or draw pictures of the things that were making the sounds. (less)
  FREE		What's That Sound? Parent Created Activity Try this activity to help your child learn to identify different sounds. Gather different noisemaking props in advance and don't let your child see them. Stand behind your child's ...more back and make different noises with your props. Then see if he or she can guess what is making the noise. If your child has trouble guessing, make the sound again and give him or her clues: This is something I use to drive the car or This is something that we read every night. (less)

  Sample Books and Toys

  $19.99

  Toy

  Braincandy, My 5 Senses: A Yummy Music & Sound Exploration

  

• Listen to and sing songs (show details)

  Sample Core Knowledge Activities

  99 ¢		Gifts For Baby Expert Created Activity Support your child's attention to and participation in songs with this There was an Hush Little Baby activity. (song not included)
  99 ¢		There Was An Old Lady Expert Created Activity Support your child's attention to and participation in songs with this There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly activity. (song not included)

  Sample Activities

  FREE		Oatmeal Drum Parent Created Activity Making a drum out of the tall 42 oz cylindrical shaped oatmeal container. Take top off and cover the container using decorated paper. You can use glue to ...more seal the edges. Then seal opening with construction paper by securely using tape. Little kids will enjoy drumming away! (less)
  FREE		The Wheels on The Stroller Go... Parent Created Activity We all know the old "Wheels on the Bus." Next time you go for a walk, try singing "Wheels on the Stroller." Some sample lyrics: The visor ...more on the stroller goes up and down. The girls in the stroller go whee, whee, whee (or wah wah wah, depending on the day. The doggie by the stroller goes bark, bark, bark. The mommy pushing the stroller goes huff and puff. The people on the street say 'Look how cute!' all through the town! Younger children will build their vocabulary by listening to you name the different things you see; older children can help by offering suggestions for lyrics. (less)

  Sample Books and Toys

  $16.98		Toy	Victor Vito The title track alone is so great that it justifies the purchase of the entire album. It teaches your child all the essentials -- how to sing fast, how to ...more sing slow, how to rhyme Alaska and Tabasco! Kids love Laurie Berkner because she looks an awful lot like their own moms rockin' out in the living room - but she can actually carry a tune! And, well, parents love her for precisely the same reason! (less) Review provided by The Savvy Source
  $19.99		Toy	Braincandy, My 5 Senses: A Yummy Music & Sound Exploration

  

• Listen to and move to music of different styles and periods (e.g., perform very simple movements in accompaniment to music) (show details)

  Sample Activities

  FREE		Paper Tube Maracas Parent Created Activity Take an empty paper towel or toilet paper tube. Cover one end with a small square of construction paper and fasten the square to the tube with a rubber ...more band. Then fill the tube with dried beans or uncooked rice -- you can experiment with different amounts and with different materials (or combinations of materials) to create different sounds. Once you've placed the desired amount of beans or rice into the tube, cover the open end with a small square of construction paper and fasten it to the tube with a rubber band, creating a maraca. Then, wrap the entire tube with construction paper or white drawing paper, gluing it to the tube so that it's secure. You can then let your child decorate the paper with paint or markers so that it's fun and colorful. Make a whole bunch so that you can have a percussion section for your kitchen band! (less)
  FREE		Paper Mache Maracas Parent Created Activity Take a small balloon (water balloon size) and fill it with a handful of small beans or rice. Then, fill the balloon with air to create the base for ...more the paper mache. You will also want to cut or tear many strips of newspaper before you make the paper mache paste. To create the paper mache paste, use 2 parts water to 1 part flour. (If you make a lot of paste to use in future projects, you might throw in a tablespoon or two of salt to prevent mold.) Mix the water and flour together to make a paste; stir until the lumps are all gone. Then, boil the paste mixture over low heat and stir until thick and glossy. You are ready to begin making the paper mache maracas! Help your child take the newspaper strips and dip them in the paste. You should cover the entire balloon with the paper-mache newspaper strips. Then, add a popsicle stick for a handle. Attach the popsicle stick to the bottom of the balloon, near the knot, and affix it with more of the paper-mache newspaper strips. Let it all dry. When the maraca is completely dry, pop the balloon by pressing a needle through the newspaper next to the stick. You and your child are now ready to decorate! Get our your paints, markers, stickers, etc. and have fun. When your maraca -- or maracas -- are done put on your favorite music and play along. (less)

  Sample Books and Toys

  $19.99		Toy	Braincandy, My 5 Senses: A Yummy Music & Sound Exploration
  $69.99		Toy	Kid-Tough FP3 Player The Kid-Tough FP3 Player is a real digital player designed just for preschoolers. It's tough enough and easy enough for kids to use. We've also made it easy for parents ...more to download songs and stories onto the player from the Fisher-Price FP3 Song&Story Online Store, or from any CD you already own. The Kid-Tough FP3 Player features: A backlit 1.4-inch LCD screen that uses icons to help kids recognize and choose their favorite songs and stories all by themselves; big buttons that make it easy to navigate; Kid-tough design that stands upto the way preschoolers play Holds two hours of entertainment--that's approximately 30 songs or 15 stories; add an SD memory card to store even more songs and stories Headphones that are sized just right for little ones and that play at a safe volume; breakaway neck strap; six songs and two stories pre-loaded on the FP3 Player; Plus, there are hundreds more songs and stories ready for safe and simple download from our Song&Story Online Store. With the software CD we've included, you can: access the Fisher-Price FP3 Song&Story Online Store; browse hundreds of kid-appropriate songs and stories, all in one place; read expert recommendations to help you choose; purchase new and different songs and stories online, anytime; copy music from CDs you already own to your player; change and manage your player's songs and stories; player software requirements: Microsoft Windows 2000 or Windows XP; Intel Pentium III 500 MHz or above; 256 MB RAM (512 MB RAM or higher recommended); 150 MB free hard-disc space for full installation; Video Graphics Card with 1024 x 768 resolution or higher; Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 with SP1 or later; Macromedia Flash plug-in; USBport; Optional for Online Store: Internet connection (broadband connection recommended). Requires 2 AAA (LR03) alkaline batteries. (less) Review provided by Amazon

  

• Discriminate between fast and slow (show details)

  Sample Books and Toys

  $16.98		Toy	Victor Vito The title track alone is so great that it justifies the purchase of the entire album. It teaches your child all the essentials -- how to sing fast, how to ...more sing slow, how to rhyme Alaska and Tabasco! Kids love Laurie Berkner because she looks an awful lot like their own moms rockin' out in the living room - but she can actually carry a tune! And, well, parents love her for precisely the same reason! (less) Review provided by The Savvy Source
  $16.95		Toy	Slow Days, Fast Friends

  

• Discriminate between loud and quiet (show details)

  Sample Activities

  FREE

  A Little Bit Louder Now! Parent Created Activity Help your child learn to discriminate between loud and quiet music. Play your child's favorite music and have your child begin to dance while you slowly turn the volume ...more up. Have your child dance faster as the music gets louder. Then, slowly turn the music down, and have your child slow down their movements. Keep decreasing the volume until the music is off, and have your child freeze when they no longer hear the music. (less)

  

• Recognize that some phrases are the same, some different (show details)

  Sample Books and Toys

  $16.98		Toy	Victor Vito The title track alone is so great that it justifies the purchase of the entire album. It teaches your child all the essentials -- how to sing fast, how to ...more sing slow, how to rhyme Alaska and Tabasco! Kids love Laurie Berkner because she looks an awful lot like their own moms rockin' out in the living room - but she can actually carry a tune! And, well, parents love her for precisely the same reason! (less) Review provided by The Savvy Source
  $49.99		Toy	Music Block Inspire a love of music with this interactive activity toy which allows a child to create over a million different musical compositions - simply by playing with blocks! Our Music ...more Blocks Activity Toy allow a child to creatively compose music while experimenting with shapes, colors, sequences and sounds. This features premium digital sound and magnets to hold blocks securely in place. Teaches color and shape recognition, cause and effect and critical thinking skills. 4-AA batteries required, Demo batteries included. Has a High-low volume control. Neurosmith Music Blocks are a new design so it does not take the Neurosmith cartridges. It plays 3 different tunes including: Mozarts Night Music, Jumpin Jazz, and African Rythms. There is a switch in the back that allows you to turn to the different tunes.- (less) Review provided by Amazon

  

• Sing unaccompanied, accompanies and in unison (show details)

  Sample Books and Toys

  $69.99		Toy	Kid-Tough FP3 Player The Kid-Tough FP3 Player is a real digital player designed just for preschoolers. It's tough enough and easy enough for kids to use. We've also made it easy for parents ...more to download songs and stories onto the player from the Fisher-Price FP3 Song&Story Online Store, or from any CD you already own. The Kid-Tough FP3 Player features: A backlit 1.4-inch LCD screen that uses icons to help kids recognize and choose their favorite songs and stories all by themselves; big buttons that make it easy to navigate; Kid-tough design that stands upto the way preschoolers play Holds two hours of entertainment--that's approximately 30 songs or 15 stories; add an SD memory card to store even more songs and stories Headphones that are sized just right for little ones and that play at a safe volume; breakaway neck strap; six songs and two stories pre-loaded on the FP3 Player; Plus, there are hundreds more songs and stories ready for safe and simple download from our Song&Story Online Store. With the software CD we've included, you can: access the Fisher-Price FP3 Song&Story Online Store; browse hundreds of kid-appropriate songs and stories, all in one place; read expert recommendations to help you choose; purchase new and different songs and stories online, anytime; copy music from CDs you already own to your player; change and manage your player's songs and stories; player software requirements: Microsoft Windows 2000 or Windows XP; Intel Pentium III 500 MHz or above; 256 MB RAM (512 MB RAM or higher recommended); 150 MB free hard-disc space for full installation; Video Graphics Card with 1024 x 768 resolution or higher; Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 with SP1 or later; Macromedia Flash plug-in; USBport; Optional for Online Store: Internet connection (broadband connection recommended). Requires 2 AAA (LR03) alkaline batteries. (less) Review provided by Amazon
  $15.98		Toy	At the Bottom of the Sea We're simply bowled over by some of the tracks on this album! We can't pick a favorite, even if asked. Is it the charm of "Fly Me to the Moon" ...more sung in a way Ol' Blue Eyes never imagined? Or is it the Memphis blues twang of "Clean My Room?" You won't be able to pick either, and your little one will quite practically answer: "They are all my favorite!" (less) Review provided by The Savvy Source

  

• Recognize the following instruments by sight and sound: guitar, piano, piano, trumpet, flute, violin, drum (show details)

  Sample Books and Toys

  $6.95		Toy	Fiddlesticks: The Musical Instrument Recognition Game FIDDLESTICKS is a fun way to learn about different musical instruments. Based on the favorite game Â?Old Maid,Â? players have to collect pairs of instruments, but avoid getting left with ...more the dreaded Â?fiddlestickÂ? at the end of the game! Perfect for both classroom and home use. Contents 33 cards (16 pairs of instruments plus one fiddlestick card) Rules and instructions on how to play (less) Review provided by Amazon
  $6.99		Toy	The Philharmonic Gets Dressed

  

• Imitate and produce sounds (e.g., imitate clapping pattern sequences, accompany a story with sound effects) (show details)

  Sample Core Knowledge Activities

  99 ¢

  What Do You Hear Expert Created Activity Support your child's ability to imitate and produce sounds by creating sounds that go with the illustrations on the page.

  Sample Activities

  FREE		Paper Plate Tambourines Parent Created Activity Take 2 paper plates and decorate the bottoms of them with markers, crayons, tissue paper pieces, ribbons -- anything you have handy. Then put the two paper ...more plates together so that the decorated bottoms are facing out. Begin to fasten the paper plates together by stapling around the outer edge. Once you have stapled three-quarters of the way around, pour some rice or beans into the middle. Then finish stapling the plates together, all the way around the outside edge so that no beans or rice can fall out. You can then decorate around the edges with ribbon or paper streamers, if you like. When you shake the plate it will make noise, just like a tambourine. You and your kids have just made a musical instrument! (less)
  FREE		Going on a Bear Hunt Parent Created Activity With your kids, sing the old summer camp song 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt.' (If you can't remember the words, you can find them here www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/teddy/bearhunt.html). Afterwards go ...more back through the song and discuss (depending on the age of your children) each environment they go through on the bear hunt (grass, tree, river, cave). Then explain that they will color and create each location using construction paper and crayons, markers, etc. Then take their artwork and place it throughout your house with the ending place being a bed (I usually just get a few blankets and lay them on the floor and we dive into that). Now as you go on your 'bear hunt' sing the song and go through each 'station' of their artwork as the scene and end the song by jumping on the bed and pulling the covers up over your heads. It's guaranteed your child while ask to do it again because they love jumping in the bed and pulling the blankets over them. (less)

  Sample Books and Toys

  $24.99		Toy	Quack Quack Quack Quack, Moo, Baa! All the colorful animals from the farm are playing in the field. The little farm helpers need to make sure all the animals are on ...more the farm by calling them. Be the first helper to call the animal matching the colors on the dice to win. This game of quick observation will have the whole family mooing like a cow! Ages : 3 and Up. For 2 to 4 Players. Play time : 10 minutes. Contents : 8 Wooden Animal Cards, 3 Wooden Dice, 4 Wooden Scoring Boards, 16 Wooden Scoring Coins, Illustrated Rules, and a Cotton Pouch in a wooden storage box. (less) Review provided by Amazon
  $19.95		Toy	Where Is Thumbkin: Over 500 Activities to Use with Songs You Already Know Sing over 200 familiar songs and learn new songs set to familiar tunes. Organized by month, with a special section just for toddlers, teachers and parents will find easy-to-do, ...more song related activities that span the curriculum in areas such as math, art and language. (less) Review provided by Amazon

  

• Recognize that some beats have accents (stress) (show details)

  Sample Books and Toys

  $15.99

  Toy

  Rhythm Stick Activity Fun Fun With Real Purpose - An energetic and enjoyable way of developing rhythm, listening skills, coordination and perceptual motor skills. Simple rhythm stick activities with up-beat group, partner or ...more individual routines make this recording a delightful addition to any early childhood classroom. Vocal instructions announce the stick actions, step patterns and body movements. "Music only" versions of the songs allow for a variety of music and movement oriented activities. (less) Review provided by Amazon

  

• Recognize a steady beat; begin to play a steady beat (show details)

  Sample Books and Toys

  $15.99

  Toy

  Rhythm Stick Activity Fun Fun With Real Purpose - An energetic and enjoyable way of developing rhythm, listening skills, coordination and perceptual motor skills. Simple rhythm stick activities with up-beat group, partner or ...more individual routines make this recording a delightful addition to any early childhood classroom. Vocal instructions announce the stick actions, step patterns and body movements. "Music only" versions of the songs allow for a variety of music and movement oriented activities. (less) Review provided by Amazon