Story Soundtracks

The Basic Idea

Once you’ve introduced the story, bring out the musical instruments and wonder aloud “could we tell the story with these?” Can they be used to show actions? Or certain characters? Or how they feel?

Over To You, Wee One

Introduce different types of instruments gradually rather than overwhelm everyone with all the noises at once – but it’s important they have the opportunity to play and explore the instruments independently. Chatting about fast, slow, happy, scared etc. can come in gradually.

Cheeky Bonuses

• Musical instruments are a great way to show and share emotions without the need for words
• Making stories interactive deepens engagement
• Letting wee ones make decisions gives them shared ownership over the story

Variations

• Try reading the story while the wee ones provide the soundtrack – be prepared for some new twists to the narrative!
• Can we tell the story using the instruments… and without any words at all? Music, bodies and facial expressions can all come into this challenge

And Remember...

You might think a shaker sounds like someone is scared… but wee ones might use a drum instead! Keep an open mind and honour the decisions wee ones make – you’re there to have fun, not direct them into making the “perfect” soundtrack.