Outdoor weather can be hit and miss at the best of times in the UK, but when the weather is good, it seems a pity to keep sessions indoors. Singing outdoors needs a music leader with a strong voice because sound travels differently in open spaces. And the temptation for children to run to favourite equipment takes some pre-thought: can it be moved aside or cordoned away temporarily? Other considerations include allergies awareness, suitable sitting surfaces, and sunblock.
Successful early years music sessions, whether in or outdoors, need 3 key characteristics (Barrett et al., 2021), which come with different benefits and challenges:
- Singing: Repetition is key – singing over and over again helps children to reproduce all parts of the song successfully. First they learn the words, then the rhythms (beats), and finally the pitches (tune), which takes time. High pitches are heard more clearly outside, so you may find that you sing songs a little higher outside than indoors.
- Instruments: Body percussion costs nothing and is something we all have with us at all times (like our voices!). This is a great introduction to instruments that we tap, shake and scrape (percussion). Instruments can also get lost or broken outside, so body percussion is a great choice!
- Movement: This is great way to teach opposite music dynamics, like fast-slow and high-low, teaching us how to move within space and time. There is usually more space outdoors, so this aspect to music should be used to the full when you can!
We have introduced a few useful outdoor songs with games below. We all learn much better and quicker through play, so these songs can help children to learn to manage their own movement independently. Pointing at body parts can lead to developing body percussion. Circle songs help to contain children in a safe space, yet still allow for exploration and making the most of being outside, as do imaginative play songs, like, What Shall We Do. Let’s have fun in the sun!
Stop On A Spot
I’m gonna walk, walk, walk, walk
Walk, walk, walk
I’m gonna walk, walk, walk and
Stop on a spot
I’m gonna jump, jump, jump, jump
Jump, jump, jump
I’m gonna jump, jump, jump and
Stop on a spot
I’m gonna hop, hop, hop, hop
Hop, hop, hop
I’m gonna hop, hop, hop and
Stop on a spot
This lovely little song is a little like musical statues or traffic lights, as children listen for musical cues to stop. It develops self-control and gives a sense of freedom, as children are not contained in a space or a shape, but still need to respond appropriately (walk, jump, hop, skip etc), and then stop.
Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes
Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes
And eyes and ears and mouth and nose
Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes
This old favourite is great introduction to body percussion. Usually we sing the song by pointing to body parts – this time, try tapping to the beat: 2 taps for head and then 1 tap each for shoulders, knees and toes – keeps the beat perfectly. Eyes and ears and mouth and nose get two taps each – have a try now!
Riding in the Buggy
Riding in the buggy Miss Mary Jane
Miss Mary Jane, Miss Mary Jane
Riding in the buggy Miss Mary Jane
It’s a long way to go
This is a great song for (gently) pulling children around “on a ride”! Using bottom-heavy containers like washing baskets, buckets, crates or strong blankets, the adult (or responsible child) gently pulls the child for the duration of the song.
All Around the Buttercup
All around the buttercup
One, two, three
If you want an awesome friend
Just choose me
Another song involving children sitting in a circle and taking turns to walk around (plan time carefully so that every child who wants a turn can play)! One child starts by weaving in and out between the children sitting in a circle. The child stops after the line, “one, two, three,” and holds hands with the child in front of them, who stands up, and they jump up and down together. The new child then continues to weave around the children, stopping as before, until all have had a turn.
What Shall We Do
What shall we do when we all go out
All go out, all go out
What shall we do when we all go out
When we all go out to play
Let’s go and play on the climbing frame
Climbing frame, climbing frame
Let’s go and play on the climbing frame
When we all go out to play
Let’s go and play on the see saw
The see saw, the see saw
Let’s go and play on the see saw
When we all go out to play
This little song is full of imaginative play on the different types of playground equipment, and trying to act out what it feels like without it being there. Examples given are climbing frame and see saw, while other options could be the swing, slide and roundabout. Children will have even more ideas on how to move!
Like many things, planning every single detail may not mean it all goes to “plan”, but having a plan makes it less likely that things will go out of control. Planning to introduce children to open space safely is always something to be thought out, taking into account how much experience they have in coming back when called. Musical cues are great tools for instructions, too. By either playing a sound on an instrument (e.g. drum beat) or repeating a line to a tune, musical cues can be used to reinforce messages like “can you make a circle?”, “time to go inside”, “come and line up” or even “gently put the toys away”. We’d love to know the creative ways that your setting uses music, especially outside!
References:
Barrett, J. S., Schachter, R. E., Gilbert, D., & Fuerst, M. (2021). Best Practices for Pre- school Music Education: Supporting Music-Making Throughout the Day. Early Childhood Education Journal. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-021-01155-8
Nature Songs
Singing songs about nature while outdoors can enhance children's appreciation of the natural environment and encourage curiosity about the world around them. Some examples include "Way Up In The Sky" and "Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush."
Sensory Shakers
Fill small plastic bottles with natural materials such as pebbles, seeds, and sand, and add them to your outdoor music bag. Children can shake them and make music while exploring the outdoors.
Nature Sound Walk
Take children on a sound walk, encouraging them to listen closely to the sounds of nature around them. After the walk, make a group improvisation using the sounds collected as inspiration.
