Follow the Musical Leader
‘Follow the Leader’ is one of those traditional games that gets played by generation after generation.
It’s popular with toddlers, preschoolers and even primary/elementary school kids because it’s simple, but like many other basic early childhood games, it is packed with learning opportunities. And we’re tweaking it to add an element of music!
How it’s played:
Hand each child a small instrument (can also be anything that makes sound e.g. a pot and a spoon)
One child is chosen to be the leader
The rest of the children line up behind the leader
They must copy all the actions and sounds made by the leader
Anyone who does not successfully copy a movement is out
The last child still following at the end is the leader in the next round
This game can be played with as little as one leader and two followers (3 children) but is lots more fun with a bigger group of children.
Because small children are still developing their observational skills, motor skills and their ability to follow instructions, you can adjust the game slightly to make it age appropriate:
An adult can be the leader as young kids may struggle to think of actions or know what to do with their instrument
Use simple actions and rhythms that are easy to follow
Allow toddlers to continue playing even if they get the actions wrong as they are not mature enough to understand being “out”
Optional: Play Follow the Leader by the Wiggles. This fun song will get them used to watching and following actions. You can also chant the line from the Peter Pan song “We’re following the leader, the leader, the leader; We’re following the leader, wherever he may go” to keep the kids’ attention.
So, what does Follow the Leader teach kids?
Here are just a few of the benefits of playing this simple game:
First and foremost, it teaches children to follow directions – in this case, visual and musical directions.
Our version improves their musicianship, most notably their listening skills
Children have to pay attention to what is happening in front of them, or risk being “out”. This builds their concentration span.
Copying the various movements develops gross motor skills as kids are using the large muscles of their bodies. They develop speed, balance, agility, directionality and other skills.
Follow the Leader is an active game that gets the blood pumping. Exercise/movement is healthy for children’s bodies and minds.
