Experiment with the sounds made by drums. Tighten or loosen the skin by small amounts and ask children to tap, press, stroke, scratch, caress and scrape them with their fingertips and fingernails. Find out how tiny changes in tension or touch can produce dozens of different sounds. Our own skin often reacts involuntarily to music by producing goose bumps. Make a list of pieces or passages of music that make the children respond like this. Discuss whether the music has common features, then compile your own tape or CD to play on a day when it’s OK for everyone to show and share their feelings.

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