Toddler Hand Drum Play Session
Sit together with a hand drum or overturned bucket and take turns tapping rhythms — a satisfying intro to turn-taking through music.
What You'll Need
- 1Hand drum, overturned bucket, or sturdy box
What You'll Need
A hand drum, overturned plastic bucket, or sturdy cardboard box
How to Play
Place a hand drum, overturned plastic bucket, or sturdy cardboard box between you and your toddler on the floor.
Tap the drum with your open palms three times: tap, tap, tap. Then look at your toddler expectantly, as if to say "your turn!"
Encourage your toddler to tap the drum. Celebrate any tapping they do — "You made music!"
Take turns: you tap three times, then gesture for your toddler to tap three times. This is turn-taking at its most natural.
Try fast tapping and slow tapping, narrating the difference: "Fast fast fast! Now sloooow."
Sing a familiar song and both tap along to the rhythm together.
Let your toddler freestyle while you clap along to whatever rhythm they create. Follow their lead.
Tips
An overturned five-gallon bucket actually makes a surprisingly good drum. Deep, resonant, and satisfying to hit.
If your toddler uses their whole hand in a slapping motion, that's perfect. Over time, they'll develop more control and use fingertips too.
The turn-taking element is key here. Music is one of the first contexts where toddlers willingly wait for their turn because they want to hear what comes next.
Tap rhythms from familiar songs and see if your toddler recognizes them. Even without words, they may perk up at "Twinkle Twinkle" tapped out on a drum.
Pair two different drums for different pitches. One high, one low. Alternating between them introduces melody without any singing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 10 min, with 0 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: hand drum, overturned bucket, or sturdy box.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 1-2 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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