Let Music Be Their Muse - Learning Activities | GreatSchools

Let Music Be Their Muse - Learning Activities | GreatSchools

Here's How To Do It

Lay out the paper and markers, crayons or colored pencils, and play music that evokes a particular emotion. Soundtracks are great for this, and you can usually find compilation CDs of music from various soundtracks. While your child listens, have him draw a picture that illustrates how the music makes him feel. You'll be surprised at how perceptive he can be!

Avoid music with lyrics, as they tend to oversimplify the emotional tone of a song. Just let the music guide them in their drawings. Try to find a good assortment of music that sparks different emotions so that your child can draw several pictures and illustrate the various moods she hears. After she finishes her artwork, talk about what the composer of the music had in mind, and see if your child picks up on the emotions that were intended.

Paul Bakeman is a music teacher in Virginia and Teacher of the Year award-winner.