PreK Props on a Dime: Finding Budget-Friendly Ways to Include
Manipulatives in Early Childhood Music
Whitney Mayo
Michigan State University wmmayo15@gmail.com
Michigan Music Conference
January 17, 2020 1:00-1:45 pm
Goal: to explore a variety of props and their application to the early childhood music class with regard for budget.
Why do we use props in early childhood music?
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To increase creative play
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To elicit movement exploration
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To increase student engagement
● Because it is fun!
Why do we use a variety of props?
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Props lend themselves different to movement opportunities
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Different props will speak to each child differently
● Because it is fun!
What to look for in a good prop:
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Can it be used creatively?
○ Is there more than one “right” way to use it?
● Is it developmentally appropriate?
● Is it accessible to a range of abilities?
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Is it safe? (As is will it cause any safety concerns when in the hands of children?)
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Can it be cleaned (or easily disposed of and replaced)?
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Can it be stored in a reasonable way?
● Does it inspire you?
● How much does it cost?
Planning with props:
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What is the goal you are trying to accomplish?
○ How will a prop help you achieve that goal?
Props and Activities:
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Goal: Creative Movement (could include a seasonal connection)
Mayo - 1

○ Fabric leaves
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The Wind (available in Music Play )
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Tissues (such as Kleenex)
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Plastic eggs and glow sticks
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Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saens
○ Shower ring ribbons
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Grasslands by Whitney Mayo
○ Halloween glow balloons
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Goal: Imaginative Musical Play
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Bath toys
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Little Red Crab by Katie Hill (used with permission)
○ Pool Sticks/Dive Sticks/Rings
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Planting Flowers (available in Music Play )
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Ocean Waves (available in Music Play )
○
Cake Pop Sticks
■ I Have a Little Stick
○ Manipulatives/figurines
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Five Voices stories
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Goal: Explore Beat
○
Cake Pop Sticks
○
Yarn balls
● Goal: Form
○
Bandanas
■
Ring the Bells (available in Music Play )
Mayo - 2

○ Stress Balls/Waffle Balls/Tennis Balls, etc
■
Wagging by Whitney Mayo
Budget Strategies:
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Create a wish list
○ i.e. Amazon
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Think long range
● Watch for sales
○
Also, shop after season
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Donations or second hand shops
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Buy in bulk
● Holiday bins
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Dollar stores, front section of Target
Prop Management:
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Have a place set aside for things that need additional cleaning
● Look for budget storage
○ Ex. recycle a shoe box
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Know your goal and your limit of flexibility
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Have a plan for prop introduction and clean up
○
Ex.
Let’s Sing Goodbye to the Props
● Establish clear expectations (when appropriate)
○ Don’t be afraid to shut an activity down
Identifying New Props:
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Let yourself be inspired
● Think outside of the prop box
● If it doesn’t exist yet, create it!
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Almost anything can be a prop!
Mayo - 3