Here are three engaging follow-up activities for child care centres and parents to do with young children, inspired by “The Boy Who Wanted a Drum” story.
1. Make Your Own Drums
- Materials: Empty coffee cans, oatmeal containers, or large yogurt containers; construction paper; markers or crayons; rubber bands; and wooden spoons or pencils for drumsticks.
- Activity: Decorate the containers with colorful paper and drawings. Stretch paper or fabric over the opening and secure with rubber bands to create a drum head. Use hands or sticks to create different rhythms and sounds.
- Purpose: This craft develops fine motor skills and creativity while connecting children to the main character’s dream. Children can practice sharing their handmade drums with friends, just like the boy shared his kindness.
2. “Acts of Kindness” Chain
- Materials: Colored paper strips, markers, glue or tape, and a large poster board.
- Activity: Each time a child performs an act of kindness (helping a friend, sharing toys, comforting someone), they decorate a paper strip describing their good deed and add it to a classroom kindness chain. Watch the chain grow throughout the week.
- Purpose: This visual activity reinforces the Golden Rule and helps children recognize how their kind actions create a positive ripple effect in their community.
3. Musical Kindness Circle
- Materials: Various simple instruments (shakers, bells, tambourines) or homemade drums from activity #1.
- Activity: Children sit in a circle and take turns sharing something kind they did or received, then play their instrument to celebrate. The group joins in with their instruments, creating a joyful musical moment together.
- Purpose: This activity combines music-making with reflection on kindness, encouraging children to both give and receive appreciation while building a sense of community.
Each activity helps children retell the story, practice the Golden Rule, and explore themes of generosity, music, and community connection.