Music has always been a powerful tool in OSHC programs—whether it’s setting the tone for a calm morning or energising children after school. Many educators are exploring how to use music not just as background noise, but as a way to support regulation, inclusion, and child agency.
Morning Sessions: Calming and Regulating
- Meditation & Bilateral Tracks: Gentle, rhythmic music helps children (and educators!) regulate, focus, and ease into the day.
- Consistency Matters: Keeping mornings predictable with calming playlists reduces overstimulation and supports neurodiverse children.
- Stretch & Flow: Pair calming instrumental or bilateral music with gentle stretches or yoga poses
- Breathing Beats: Use slow tracks to guide deep breathing—children inhale/exhale in rhythm.
- Mindful March: Quiet walking around the room to soft drum beats, focusing on balance and calm.
Afternoon Sessions: Child-Led Joy
- Playlists for Children: Allowing children to contribute song ideas fosters ownership and identity.
- DJ of the Day: Rotate responsibility so one child chooses from an approved list, reducing squabbles.
- Theme Days: Introduce variety—pop, cultural/world music, instrumental, or dance tracks—while keeping boundaries clear.
- Freeze Dance: Children dance to upbeat songs and freeze when the music stops.
- Musical Statues with Themes: Add fun twists—freeze like animals, superheroes, or shapes.
- Relay Races with Music: Play energetic tracks while children run, hop, or skip through obstacle courses.
Creative Expression
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Storytelling Through Music: Play themed tracks (circus, jungle, zoo) and have children act out movements.
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Make Your Own Dance: Small groups choreograph short routines to chosen songs.
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Percussion Circle: Use drums, shakers, or body percussion to create rhythms together.
4. Themed Days (to avoid repetition)
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Maker Monday: Build simple instruments (shakers, rubber-band guitars).
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Active Thursday: Dance-offs, obstacle courses with music challenges.
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Chill Friday: Wind down with calming playlists and gentle movement games.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
- Screen-Free Choices: Use written lists or educator-managed playlists to avoid children staring at devices.
- Safety First: Shoes on, chairs in place, and rewards that focus on intrinsic motivation rather than lollies.
- Ambient Volume: Keep music supportive rather than dominating, so play and conversation remain central.
Creative Extensions
- Pair music with dance, yoga, or percussion activities.
- Invite children to write their own lyrics or rhythms, turning music time into a creative project.
- Use music as a transition tool—calm tracks for winding down, upbeat songs for clean-up or group games.
Why These Work
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Supports Regulation: Calming tracks help children transition smoothly.
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Encourages Agency: Children contribute ideas for songs or movements.
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Builds Community: Group activities reduce squabbles over playlists and screens.
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Inclusive: Activities can be adapted for different ages and abilities.
Music time is more than entertainment—it’s a chance to scaffold regulation, celebrate identity, and build community. By blending calming playlists with structured child choice, educators can create spaces that are both peaceful and empowering.
Further Reading
Using Music, Rhythm And Movement
Benefits Of Music and Movement
How Music Enriches Brain Development In Children
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