The music and movement center is often the noisiest spot in the classroom. Choose an area for this center that will let students move and sing without bothering students engaged in quiet play in the reading or manipulative centers. Designate a space that is relatively cleared of small toys and furniture where students can have plenty of room to spread out and move.
Provide a few musical instruments for students to play in the music and movement center. Good choices include percussion instruments such as drums, percussion sticks, tambourines and maracas. Make your own percussion instruments by putting rice or beans in empty cans and canisters for students to shake. You may also wish to add whistles, a variety of bells and recorders. A small, child-sized piano and xylophone are also good choices.
Include audio equipment such as cassette players and CD players, so that students can listen to music in the classroom. Keep a small library of your students favorite music, including music from a variety of genres. Good choices include songs that students can sing along with or that require movement. In addition to your classroom library, borrow music from your school or local library.
Provide students with toys and props to play with while listening to music. Bean bags that students can toss in time to the music are a good choice. Toy musical instruments that students can pretend to play, such as a saxophone or flute, are also excellent options. Include jump ropes, hula hoops and tumbling mats to inspire students to get up and move to the music.