Making music together has many benefits, including a stronger bond, stronger brain pathways, and enhanced development of connections in the brain. Use whatever is around the house for musical instruments and make your own whānau band.

Why do it?

  • Music provides a rich experience — tune, rhythm, harmony, movement, language and culture — all enhancing the development of connections in baby’s brain.
  • Making music is also a fun way of repeating an experience, which makes brain pathways stronger.
  • Singing releases endorphins (‘feel good’ hormones), which benefit baby and whānau.
  • When whānau sing and play with baby it strengthens their relationship.

How to do it

You’ll need: Knees to slap, hands to clap, drums to tap or your own hand-made shakers

  1. Choose your instruments. Perhaps you could swap half way?
  2. Get tapping and clapping, clicking and shaking.
  3. Maybe put on one of your favourite songs and play along!

Extra for experts: Can you think of a name for your band? Who could you perform a waiata for?

Using more te reo Māori

Te reo Māori English
Clap
To sing/song
Guitar
Musical instrument
Hands