Mixer, Oven, Fridge
Children are cooks who change their movement depending on which instrument plays: mixer, oven or fridge. It builds careful listening and switching actions as soon as the sound changes.
How to play
- Sitting down, the teacher introduces three kitchen sounds: rhythm sticks = mixer (we spin), jingle bells = oven (we rise slowly like a cake), triangle = fridge (we freeze) (1 min).
- Try each sound standing in place, with the teacher doing the motion too (1 min).
- Spread out around the kitchen: the teacher switches instruments and the cooks switch actions as soon as they hear the new one (2 min).
- Faster changes and a few silences: with no sound, the kitchen is closed and we sit down (1 min).
- Finish with the triangle: the fridge cools us down and we sit slowly (1 min).
Rules
- We change only when the sound changes.
- The mixer spins slowly so we don't get dizzy.
- In the fridge we're still and quiet.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, use only two sounds (mixer and fridge) and show the instrument.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, use all three sounds with the instruments in view.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, the teacher plays hidden behind a cloth so they listen only.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the mixer spins the arms, the oven raises the arms and the fridge freezes them.
- Hearing impairment: show a picture card (mixer, oven, fridge) with each instrument.
- Autism: warn ahead that the triangle is loud and let them try it first.
Learning goals
- Tell three different sounds apart.
- Match each sound to a movement.
- Switch actions quickly and with control.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Rhythm sticks: 1
- Jingle bells: 1
- Triangle: 1
Teacher tip
Keep the three instruments on a table so you can switch fast. Long spins make them dizzy, so keep the mixer short.
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