Go outside and play: Backyard Tin Can Band

Start your own Tin Can Backyard Band from Growing A Jeweled Rose.

“Rosie painted the cans using washable tempera paint. That is what we had on hand, but outdoor acrylic paint would really be ideal. Once the paint was dry, I used outdoor Mod Podge over the paint to prevent it from coming off. So far, this has worked great!

Then, I strung the cans together using floral wire and pony beads. To do this, I nailed holes in the cans, strung the floral wire through the holes, and used a pony bead on the underside of the can to secure the floral wire.

I also added medal key chain loops I had left over from another project, to the inside pieces of floral wire so that when Rosie banged on the cans, the medal loops would hit the inner sides of the cans and make noise. I then hung the strings of tin cans to our deck using utility rope I purchased at The Dollar Tree. 

Rosie loves her Tin Can Backyard Band! Every time we are outside, she grabs one of the sticks from her mud pie kitchen, and delights in making music.”

Yes, we're tooting our own horn a bit this month. 


Carol Penney, Director of Education for Kindermusik International, is featured in a special USA Today magazine. USA Today “Guide to Kids’ Health” Summer 2012 issue features a special article, “Music & Learning in Perfect Harmony” by Mara Gorman.


“Music makes a great teaching tool. “Everyone knows their ABC’s because of the melody,” says Carol Penney, director of education for Kindermusik, a music education program. ”Traditional children’s songs are perfect learning devices for turning sounds into words and words into creative thoughts.”’


Here are some additional fun “Did you know?” moments from the article:

• Children who engage in musical activities from infancy end up with stronger literacy, language, and math skills. They also typically have higher SAT scores and are more likely to graduate from college.
• Studies show that early and consistent exposure to music improves children’s academic performance. The explanation lies in music’s ability to affect brain
  development.
• “Music education actually rewires the brain in the same area where you develop math, language, and spatial reasoning skills.” ~ Jill Todd, president, Music Intelligence Project
• The top instruments for young children are: 1) Voice. 2) Percussion and 3) Keyboard. Many kids start lessons at 7 or 8, so look into a music education program if you think your child is ready for daily practice.

Download the full article here.

Music will take her home

This is where music begins: at home. Around kitchen tables. And the effects - and the love - lasts for a lifetime.

Music will always take her home.