Play with rhyme, beat and time with a sounds treasure basket

What you need 

• A collection of household items, such as toys, scrunched-up paper, empty crisp packets, a metal bowl and spoon, stones, keys or an empty plastic bottle 

Be sure to check that everything is safe before offering them to your toddler. Steer clear of frayed fabrics and dirty keys. 

What to do 

1. Present the objects to your toddler. 
2. Invite them to delve in and explore. Some of the things will create a sound when touched, while others will not.  
3. Watch to see how your toddler leads their own investigation, noticing whether they bang things together to generate new sounds or simply explore the objects as they are.  
4. You could comment on some of their actions, but if they are absolutely engaged, sit back and watch the investigation unfold. 

Good to know 

When your toddler plays with sound, they experience a variety of sensations. Different vibrations, movements, sounds and emotions are created, and your toddler starts to make connections between them.  

The connections they make at this stage is the beginning of their musical journey to learn rhythm, beat and time.