Tuesday, May 3, 2011

ideas for music play outdoors

Do you remember the banging post we created with the children at preschool.  Inspired by this banging post on the wonderful SouleMama, our banging post was a way to add music play to our outdoor playscape.

Sadly, our banging post is no more.  Long time use and exposure to the elements have seen it reduced to one lone tin nailed to the pole. 

I've been hunting around the blogosphere for ideas for music play outdoors, and I have found these beauties that I would love to share with you:

1.  An Outdoor Music Corner
From Helen over at Adventures at Play:
 
Backyard Music Play Corner from Adventures at Play
From Amy at Child Central Station:



2. A Giant Xylophone

From Amy at Child Central Station:



3.  A Music Wall

From Endeavour Learning Centre:


4.  A Music Frame

 
Tales from the Sandpit has a new music frame to hang from their fence:



The beauty of these ideas is that they can be put together cheaply - a lot of the materials are probably things you already have lying around - and that the children can be a part of the creation process.

If you are interested in taking music play outside, you might find further inspiration here:
How do you take the music play outside?
We Play

14 comments:

child central station said...

Thanks again for the linky love! We are loving our outdoor music area, and I have had so many people contact me about creating the large xylophones, both the one out of wood that we have and the one from pipes! I love to see how everyone takes the idea and inspiration and makes it their own!

Tricia at Mom is the Only Girl said...

Oh nice! I so love this idea - my youngest loves music and my hubby is a music teacher. Have to admit I never thought of taking it outside in such a 'structured' non-structured way like these ladies! And the xylophone idea - awesome!

Scott said...

Some great ideas, Jenny. Thanks for the links to explore.

Mullin Avenue Workshop said...

Thanks for all these great ideas!
Brenda

Debi said...

I'm adding this to our growing list of inspiration for our own backyard. I'm pretty sure at least one of my boys would love it. Thanks for stopping by & leaving such a supportive comment. It is much appreciated!

Helen Miller said...

Thank you Jenny. Thanks also for compiling such a great collection of ideas on this topic.

jenny @ let the children play said...

Thanks for the lovely comments everyone - I love seeing what others are doing to encourage outdoor play and learning and you all inspire and motivate me in this direction. I'll keep you posted on how things go, music wise, outside at preschool.

Jill @ A Mom With A Lesson Plan said...

We have a drummer next door, maybe I'll set up a backyard music station so they can join in next time he starts playing!

Elise said...

I think our backyard needs a music space - my mind is spinning with possibilities. Thank you Jenny for the inspiration.

Rashmie @ MommyLabs said...

Such unique and exciting ideas! I am already visualizing some exciting options for the big balcony that we have.

Helen Miller said...

Jenny I am working on an outdoor music area at our preschool too! Since my colleagues saw my post they are keen to get involved too. I'll let you know what we create!

Tricia said...

I LOVE the Giant Xylophone. My grumpy neighbours are going to love some of these ideas :-) Thanks for sharing.

Heather @ Preschool Buddy said...

I agree with Tricia. The Giant Xylophone rocks!

Cathy Denman said...

These ideas are fantastic! You've inspired me to have a go at making our own outdoor music area - off to get the bits today! Your blog is excellent and has given me lots of fantastic ideas, thank you.