Pots and Pans Band: Free Printable Card Set for Ages 2 to 4

Pots and Pans Band is a free printable card set for Ages 2 to 4, in Early Years. Children pick up a spoon and play each card on a saucepan, a colander, a tub or a big pot. They practise keeping a steady beat, and changing between loud and quiet, and fast and slow.

It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. It is two A4 pages. Page 1 is for the child. Page 2 is for the grown-up and has notes on how to use the sheet, help ideas, a stretch idea and the answers. Black and white printing works well.

What is on the sheet

Each card names a kitchen item and tells children how to play it. The adult reads the card aloud, then the child picks up a spoon and plays. The cards use simple music words such as tap, bang, loud, quiet, fast and slow. The sheet also has lines for writing and boxes for drawing or notes, so a grown-up can record what the child chose or enjoyed.

• Card 1. Saucepan. Tap, tap, tap. Play it quietly.
• Card 2. Colander. Tap, tap, tap. Play it fast.
• Card 3. Tub. Bang, bang, bang. Play it loud.
• Card 4. Big pot. Bang slowly. Then play very quietly.

Get ready to play

Why make music with pots and pans?

An adult checks every item before play. Use only cold, empty pans that are off the hob. Keep sharp or heavy kitchen items out of reach. Adults handle anything hot, sharp or heavy. Loud banging can be tiring for little ears, so keep sessions short and stay a sensible distance from the noise.

Fun music facts

• A beat is the steady pulse in music, like a clock that ticks evenly.
• Instruments you hit, shake or scrape are called percussion.
• Different materials make different sounds, even when you hit them in the same way.
• Musicians call how fast or slow music is the tempo.
• Musicians call how loud or quiet music is the dynamics.

Skills and curriculum link

• Keeping a steady beat
• Loud and quiet
• Fast and slow
• Listening
• Copying and taking turns
• Hand and arm control

Ideas to help your child

• Listen firstBefore playing, ask your child to listen to each item. Tap it gently and let them hear the sound. Talk about whether it sounds high, low, short or ringing.
• Move to the beatClapping, marching or rocking along helps children feel a beat in their body. It often comes more easily than playing an instrument.
• Show the differenceUse big arm movements for loud and small ones for quiet. Children often copy movement more easily than words.
• Take turnsPlay a pattern, then pass the spoon. Taking turns teaches children to listen and to wait, which are both part of making music together.

Key words

• BeatA steady pulse in music, like a heartbeat you can tap along to.
• LoudA big sound that is easy to hear from far away.
• QuietA soft, gentle sound that you listen for.
• FastSounds that come quickly, one after another.
• SlowSounds that come with a long gap between them.
• BandA group of people who play music together.

How to use it

1. Print both pages. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2 for yourself.
2. Gather the items and a spoon. Check that every pan is cold and empty. Keep sharp or heavy kitchen items out of reach.
3. Read the first card aloud and play it together. Copy your child, or let them copy you. Talk about what you hear.
4. Move on to the next card when your child is ready. Use page 2 to check the notes and answers, and praise listening and effort.
5. Come back another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence, and children often add ideas of their own.

Help, stretch and game ideas

Talk about it

• Which pan makes the sound you like best? Why?
• Can you make a sound that is big and loud?
• Can you make a sound so quiet that I have to listen closely?
• What happens to the sound when you play faster?
• Can you copy my beat? Now can I copy yours?
• What other things in our house could join the band?

Take it off the page

Who it is for

Where this fits in learning

Before this, children enjoy listening to sounds, shaking rattles and joining in with songs. They learn to copy actions and to take turns. This sheet builds on that by giving them a clear job: keep a beat and change how they play.

After this, children can try other percussion, such as shakers, drums and tambourines. They can start to clap rhythm patterns, follow a leader and sing songs with actions. In school, these early habits lead on to listening carefully, playing in time and talking about how music sounds.

Questions parents and teachers ask

What age is Pots and Pans Band for?

It is written for Ages 2 to 4, in Early Years. Younger children may need a grown-up to play alongside them. Older children can lead the band and take on the stretch idea.

What will children practise?

They practise keeping a steady beat and changing between loud and quiet, and fast and slow. They also practise listening, copying and taking turns, which are important skills for making music with others.

What do I need to play?

You need a saucepan, a colander, a tub, a big pot and a spoon, plus the printed sheet. Use only cold, empty pans that are off the hob. An adult checks every item first.

Is it safe for small children?

Yes, with sensible care. Use only cold, empty pans, and keep sharp or heavy kitchen items out of reach. Adults handle anything hot, sharp or heavy. Stay beside your child and keep the noise at a comfortable level.

What if my child finds it hard?

Start by copying the adult's beat, then try one card at a time. Take it slowly and keep it playful. Page 2 has more help ideas, and it is fine to come back to the sheet on another day.

Is it free, and do I need colour printing?

Yes, it is free to print for home and classroom use. Black and white printing works well on plain A4 paper, so you do not need a colour printer.

Can teachers and home educators use it?

Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, a table activity or a small group music task. Home educators can use it alone or as part of a wider plan, and print it again for other children.