Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be an elephant marching through the jungle, drumming to the rhythm of your own footsteps? Last week, the children at Willaston Pre-School had the chance to do just that during a fun-filled African drumming workshop led by the Drumroots team!
The children, aged 2 to 4, were full of energy and curiosity as we introduced them to the vibrant rhythms of West Africa. It was a day packed with interactive games, music, and hands-on exploration, giving the little ones a chance to immerse themselves in the world of African drumming.
One of the highlights of the workshop was our interactive game, where we invited the children to imagine themselves as elephants walking through the jungle. Armed with their mini-djembes, the children played along, marching to the beats while exploring the jungle and pretending to meet other animals along the way.
It was wonderful to see their faces light up as they drummed and marched, embodying the mighty elephants. As the game progressed, we added new animals to their journey. At different points, they encountered lions, birds, and even cheeky monkeys, and their drum rhythms changed to match the personalities of each creature.
This activity not only kept the children engaged but also helped them connect with the idea that music and rhythm can tell a story.
Alongside the elephant game, the children were treated to demonstrations of traditional West African instruments. We introduced them to the krin (a log drum with a hollowed-out wooden body), the cas-cas (shakers often made from gourds), the tama (a talking drum that changes pitch as it’s squeezed), and the powerful dunduns (bass drums that provide the heartbeat of many African rhythms).
The best part? The children got to try all of the instruments! Whether they were shaking the cascas, giving the dunduns a go, or tapping out rhythms on the krin, the excitement was infectious. Every child had a chance to explore the sounds for themselves, creating their own rhythms and beats.
To round out the workshop, we shared some traditional songs from Guinea and Ivory Coast. The children were keen to sing along, and we led them through some simple lyrics and melodies. The songs brought everyone together, creating a beautiful sense of community and shared experience, even with the youngest children.
It was amazing to see the children respond so enthusiastically to the music, from drumming like little elephants to shaking cas-cas and singing along to songs in languages they had never heard before. This workshop was a wonderful reminder of how music can transcend barriers and connect us all—no matter how young!
We look forward to returning to Willaston Pre-School in the future for more rhythm-filled adventures!
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Phone: 07939 749 099
Address: 3 Gloucester Road, Denton, Manchester, M34 2HT
