“From the day they are born, children are naturally motivated to learn, to master their environments, and to feel competent. Naturally, they learn best things that are meaningful and important to them. It is our job as adults to harness that natural learning power. We can give children the desire to succeed at the thing we want to teach them by making early learning experiences interesting, successful and fun.”
(Jane Healy.Your Child’s Growing Mind)

Children’s songs and games from countries around the world have common elements.
     - They provide challenge to the senses.
     - They test powers of concentration.
     - They offer opportunities for good sportsmanship.
     - They allow children to communicate with each other.


Songs and games teach important things such as cooperation and focus, in a fun way.
They can also teach musical elements, such as:
     - rhythm
     - melody
     - harmony

Many children’s games from around the world include:
     - Jumping rope
     - Passing games
     - Clapping games
     - Hiding objects
     - Imitation games
     - Circle games
     - Hopscotch

This site will cover a number of selected multicultural songs and games. Through the use of body percussion, movement and the playing of ethnic percussion instruments, these songs and games can provide new and engaging activities that will enhance the elementary music classroom.