<p>We should have been gearing up for the Notting Hill Carnival this week. The annual event was to run over the streets of west London this Bank Holiday weekend. But like so much that is joyous and inclusive, it had to be cancelled through coronavirus concerns.</p><p>‍</p><p><br></p><p>Families can still get into the carnival spirit, however. Try these activities to bring Notting Hill Carnival to your own home.</p><h2 data-header-link="How To Get Into The Mood">How To Get Into The Mood</h2><p>The Notting Hill Carnival is all about taking part, dressing up, dancing along and sampling the street food. Here are some ideas to recreate the vibe in your living room.</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:650px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f450dbf8da3ec730ee58872-notting-hill-carnival.jpeg" loading="lazy" width="650" height="434" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f450dbf8da3ec730ee58872-notting-hill-carnival.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f450dbf8da3ec730ee58872-notting-hill-carnival.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f450dbf8da3ec730ee58872-notting-hill-carnival.jpeg 650w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><p><strong>Get a costume</strong>: One of the joys of the parade is the exotic, colourful costumes. Grab a heap of card, crepe paper, feathers, glitter, stickers and other staples of the craft basket and put together outfits for the kids. At the very least, a vibrant mask or head-gear is de rigueur. You could try making one of these <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/homemade-animal-masks">animal face masks</a>, for starters.</p><p><strong>Face paints</strong>: You’re not properly dressed for Carnival without some form of face paint, make-up or glitter. Be as creative as you like, and check out our <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/quick-easy-face-paint-ideas-kids">face-painting tips here</a>.</p><p><strong>Get musical</strong>: Your music system can kick out plenty of noise, but make things even LOUDER by giving the kids their own instruments to bang and twang. We’ve got a detailed guide to making everything from <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/eight-diy-musical-instruments-for-under-fives">washboards to maracas to kazoos</a>. Or try this very simple <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/make-your-own-diy-drum">DIY drum</a>.</p><p><strong>Get cooking</strong>: Notting Hill Carnival is a feast for all the senses, and that includes smell and taste. The carnival will be streaming plenty of food ideas for inspiration. But you can also look up recipes for jerk chicken or jackfruit, rotis, Jamaican patties and other foods from the Caribbean.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Have fun</strong>: There are no rules to enjoying the Notting Hill Carnival. Do whatever puts you and the kids in the happiest, danciest mood. If that involves ignoring all the above, then that’s cool too. Oh, and remember to warn the neighbours if you’re going to be *very* loud.</p><div></div>

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Get in the party mood for the Notting Hill Carnival right from your home.

How To Stage The Notting Hill Carnival At Home

<p>Role-play is a great way to celebrate your little ones' imaginations and can be entertaining for the whole family!</p><p>Not only this, but it is also a really good way for children to develop their communication skills in different circumstances - for example, how they must alter their use of language for different age groups. Pretend play can also be a good way to teach children about important topics and different cultures in a way that they understand. So, we've put together a list of our 25 top role-play activities for kids to cover all kinds of important life lessons!</p><h2 data-header-link="1. Boot Camp">1. Boot Camp</h2><div></div><p>Take your kids on a training camp for the afternoon! Make an obstacle course made of anything you can find around the house and ask one child to do the stopwatch whilst the other completes the course. Like the military, this is not a competition between each other - this should be a teamwork activity with plenty of cheering and encouragement.</p><h2 data-header-link="2. Farmer">2. Farmer</h2><p>If your kids have stuffed farm animals, why not set up some pens for them in the garden and feed/look after them for the day. Then plant some seeds in the garden to teach them where the animals' food comes from! And if your household is carnivorous, teach them through play to respect where their meat comes from!</p><h2 data-header-link="3. Historical Event">3. Historical Event</h2><p>Ask them to think about what their favourite thing to learn about in history is at school and act this out! This can be a great way for them to learn more about history whilst at home during lockdown - anything from Florence Nightingale to World War 2.</p><h2 data-header-link="4. Camping">4. Camping</h2><p>This is a classic that most families will have done at some point! Put up a tent inside or in the garden (or make a tent with a sheet if you don't have one) and have a picnic! Depending on their age and attention span, after the day of fun activities in the garden - why not camp out in the garden with a fire and some marshmallows?</p><h2 data-header-link="5. Builders">5. Builders</h2><p>Ask them to use their imagination to make 'buildings' from objects you find around the house. If you have an older sibling with an age gap, try to get them involved as the architect and encourage them to draw up plans for the younger ones! This can be a fun activity for any age as you can alter the complexity of the game.</p><h2 data-header-link="6. Detectives">6. Detectives</h2><p>Use imaginative play or set up a detective trail in the garden, to send children on a mission to complete the riddles and find clues. Dress as spies and use props to make it realistic.</p><h2 data-header-link="7. Radio Hosts">7. Radio Hosts</h2><p>Act out a talk show and discuss important topics. Remember, this is all about tone of voice and can be a great way to learn to debate in a light-hearted setting. Also, you can play any games that you've heard on the radio and play your favourite songs to each other.</p><h2 data-header-link="8. Band">8. Band</h2><p>Make instruments or use ones that you already have, to encourage them to make a song together. Instruments can even just be a selection of pots with a wooden spoon to create a drum kit! Anything can make noise and make a beat (even if it is a little deafening)! When they've practised a song, ask the kids to perform to an audience using their imagination!</p><h2 data-header-link="9. Safari">9. Safari</h2><p>Tape a couple of toilet paper tubes together to make some binoculars and travel around the garden or the house viewing animals. These can be stuffed animals or just imaginary ones, either way, it's great to teach kids about wild animals in their natural habitats - take a trip down to the river to see the hippo and then to the watering hole to see the elephants!</p><h2 data-header-link="10. Newspaper">10. Newspaper</h2><p>If you think your children are budding journalists, why not get them to make their own newspaper? Let the kids pick their roles - from editor to report and use this activity to learn about current affairs, or use stories from home or the neighbourhood.</p><h1>11. Police</h1><p>Get the kids to make up imaginary laws and use dramatic play to act out some crime scenes. Whether their laws and ideas are realistic or ridiculous, they will learn the importance of sticking to (or questioning) the rules - and the consequences of doing this! </p><h2 data-header-link="12. Teacher">12. Teacher</h2><p>This is another classic that no doubt younger children have already played. But to get the older kids involved, why not ask them to host actual lessons with a test quiz at the end? Teaching can be a great way of learning things and it's also a great way to learn planning and organisational skills.</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1000px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f3416a22dbf4dfe185ca99d-ship.jpeg" width="1000" height="800" loading="lazy" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f3416a22dbf4dfe185ca99d-ship.jpeg 195w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f3416a22dbf4dfe185ca99d-ship.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f3416a22dbf4dfe185ca99d-ship.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f3416a22dbf4dfe185ca99d-ship.jpeg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="13. Grocery Store">13. Grocery Store</h2><p>Grab some items from the cupboard and price up the food using stickers. You could create some fake money for the customers to come in and trade. Encourage them to play multiple roles or use imaginative play to pretend that their shop is busy! This can be a great activity to learn about money and budgeting. </p><h2 data-header-link="14. Vets">14. Vets</h2><p>Have a receptionist role and a vet role to act out looking after sick pets! They may want to use their imagination to make up pretend visitors, or you can bring in multiple stuffed toys for them to examine. Don’t forget the food and water bowls!</p><h2 data-header-link="15. Astronaut">15. Astronaut</h2><p>Make a rocket in the living room using household items and put a space exploration video on the TV for the kids to watch. Use role-play to learn what it's like in space and ask them to complete tasks that a real astronaut would do - for example eating a sandwich upside down.</p><h2 data-header-link="16. Aliens">16. Aliens</h2><p>Use role-plays to imagine that the children have just landed on earth. Ask them how an alien would feel if everything around them was new or different - and watch them investigate the simple things that they take for granted every day.</p><h2 data-header-link="17. Entrepreneur">17. Entrepreneur</h2><p>Use The Apprentice as inspiration here - to bring out the entrepreneurial side to your kids! Have them think of an idea or an invention and ask them to think about how they can sell it! Ask questions like 'who would want this item?' and 'how much would they pay for it?'. Try to use something that they're interested in to encourage them to turn it into a business idea - for instance, kids who like writing might write a book, or kids who love baking may want to start a cookie business! This is a great way for them to consider future passions or professions.</p><h2 data-header-link="18. Theatre">18. Theatre</h2><p>This one has endless possibilities and kids will come up with all sorts of imaginative role play ideas! Find a story or movie for them to act out, or encourage them to make up their own. Some may even want to make tickets, write scripts and make costumes.</p><h2 data-header-link="19. Circus">19. Circus</h2><p>Dig out your hula hoops, props and costumes and use role-play to act out a circus scene! Create posters to stick around the home and think about what tricks they can perform! Why not use the family dog in the tricks and teach them the importance of respecting animals in circuses? </p><h2 data-header-link="20. Office">20. Office</h2><p>Create a computer by drawing a screen onto a box and form a desk set up with your old office supplies! Encourage them to think of tasks to complete in the office and maybe even host a meeting about something really important. Ask the CEO to delegate jobs to everyone else involved and watch them have countless hours of fun pretending to be an adult with a really important job!</p><h2 data-header-link="21. Aeroplane">21. Aeroplane</h2><p>Pull some chairs into two lines to look like a cabin, or enough to form the cockpit. Let the kids do the rest and watch them go through the motions of life as an air-hostess or pilot (this will also depend on how many children are involved)! If your kids have been on planes before, they will know what to do - but if not, give them some pointers as to what happens next.</p><h2 data-header-link="22. Restaurant">22. Restaurant</h2><p>Grab a notebook, a tea towel for their arm and create a kitchen out the back. &nbsp;During the role-play, they can act out an evening as a restauranteur - taking orders, dealing with complaints and compliments to the chef. Whether you use real food or imaginary food is up to you. This is a really easy and fun game to play as it is an environment that they are probably already familiar with, meaning that they won't need much guidance! So, sit back and enjoy being a customer for the evening whilst they do all the hard work!</p><h2 data-header-link="23. Hair Salon">23. Hair Salon</h2><p>Grab some hair ties, clips and combs and encourage your kids to act out a salon at home! This can form the basis of many different role-play activities - as they can work on real peoples' hair (but be careful and no scissors), on dolls or imaginary people.</p><h2 data-header-link="24. Florists">24. Florists</h2><p>If you've got a garden with lots of flowers in, why not encourage them to pick some to sell on in their flower shop? Visit their shop and pick a display to exchange for some loose change.</p><h2 data-header-link="25. Birthday Party">25. Birthday Party</h2><p>This is a great one if your little one has a birthday during lockdown/ Using role-play, they can pretend that all of their friends are round - they can prepare and be the host to an imaginary tea party with plenty of decorations!</p>

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Are you looking for some new games to play at home? Take a look at our role-play activities; kids are bound to love them!

25 Top Role Play Activities For Kids

<p>Music and movement activities for toddlers and preschoolers are not only great fun, but they help them to develop so many essential skills.</p><p>These ideas for music and movement activities will help their physical development, their creative and listening skills, they are vital for learning language and communication and are instrumental in social and emotional development as well. These activities can help them work off energy and it can encourage quiet children to come of their shell.</p><p>These fun music activities can be combined with some fun crafts, such as <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/make-your-own-diy-drum" target="_blank">making a drum</a> or some other simple musical <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/eight-diy-musical-instruments-for-under-fives" target="_blank">instrument making.</a></p><p>‍</p><h2 data-header-link="Body Part Dancing">Body part dancing</h2><p>Pop on some music and then tell your preschoolers they can only dance with the body part you shout out. So they might jiggle their right arm or wiggle their tongue! </p><div></div><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:800px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ee8d4ab8a8cf376502dad5e-9-rhythm-stick-activities-for-curious-kids-2.jpeg" width="800" height="534" loading="lazy" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ee8d4ab8a8cf376502dad5e-9-rhythm-stick-activities-for-curious-kids-2.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ee8d4ab8a8cf376502dad5e-9-rhythm-stick-activities-for-curious-kids-2.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5ee8d4ab8a8cf376502dad5e-9-rhythm-stick-activities-for-curious-kids-2.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ee8d4ab8a8cf376502dad5e-9-rhythm-stick-activities-for-curious-kids-2.jpeg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="March And Play The Drum">March and play the drum</h2><p>In this music and movement activity, march around the room, pretending to play a big bass drum. Choose some classical music, such as March of the Toy Soldiers from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, or go for a modern classic such as the theme from The Great Escape. </p><h2 data-header-link="Dance With Scarves">Dance with scarves</h2><p>Put on some suitable music - classical ballet music is good - and get your toddler to move around with a floaty scarf in each hand, waving, wiggling and wrapping themselves in the material.</p><h2 data-header-link="Do The Plate Dance">Do the plate dance</h2><p>Take two plastic (unbreakable) plates (or paper plates) and you can bang them together like a pair of cymbals. Movements include banging them above your head, behind your back, and under your legs. </p><h1>Musical squares</h1><p>Use a paved area. Turn on the music and your preschooler has to jump into a square and dance and jiggle. Then they have to jump, hop or crawl from square to square. </p><h2 data-header-link="Animal Magic">Animal magic</h2><p>A bit like Simon Says, but you shout out an animal's name, and the preschoolers have to move like that animal. </p><h2 data-header-link="Cheesy Songs">Cheesy songs</h2><p>It doesn't always have to be preschool music. Have your own little disco at home with some fabulously cheesy songs that have set movements. Choose songs with great music and movements such as YMCA, Oops Upside Your Head, Agadoo, and &nbsp;Cha Cha slide. </p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:799px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ee8d7899ab347344811d345-9-rhythm-stick-activities-for-curious-kids-4.jpeg" width="799" height="534" loading="lazy" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ee8d7899ab347344811d345-9-rhythm-stick-activities-for-curious-kids-4.jpeg 233w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ee8d7899ab347344811d345-9-rhythm-stick-activities-for-curious-kids-4.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5ee8d7899ab347344811d345-9-rhythm-stick-activities-for-curious-kids-4.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ee8d7899ab347344811d345-9-rhythm-stick-activities-for-curious-kids-4.jpeg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="Heads, Shoulders, Knees And Toes">Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes</h2><p>Sing the song, touching the correct body parts as you sing it. </p><h2 data-header-link="Floor Drawing">Floor drawing</h2><p>Get some huge pieces of paper or old cardboard boxes. Get the preschoolers to lie on the paper or cardboard with a crayon in their hand. Play music as they move their hand around, drawing patterns. </p><h2 data-header-link="Musical Art">Musical art</h2><p>Stick some big pieces of paper to the wall. Arm your toddler with a big paintbrush and some paints and stick on some music. Get them to run around, moving and painting 'how the music makes them feel'.</p><h2 data-header-link="Musical Chairs">Musical chairs</h2><p>No one likes being out in this game. So switch it around. Write the children's name on a piece of paper and put it one of the chairs. When the music stops they have to find their name. Great for learning how to recognise their name.</p><h2 data-header-link="Listen To The Beat">Listen to the beat</h2><p>Children can clap hands or use a drum, a wooden spoon on a pan, a chopstick on a tin - whatever you have to hand. Play different short pieces of music and get your young children to clap or tap along to the beat.</p><h2 data-header-link="Balance Practice">Balance practice</h2><p>Make it safe to practise balance without the risk of falling! Stick some tape to the floor and get your preschooler to 'balance' along it. They can practise the movement of using arms to balance without being in any danger. Make up a story or play some suitable music as they balance.</p><h2 data-header-link="Feather Dance">Feather dance</h2><p>Use brightly coloured craft feathers. Pop on some music and encourage movement as they keep their feather in the air by blowing it. </p><h2 data-header-link="Walk To The Beat">Walk to the beat</h2><p>Beat a drum or similar. Beat slowly for a walking beat, faster for a jogging beat and faster still for a running beat. Your child has to match the beat to the activity. If you are indoors, get them to the movement on the stop. </p><h2 data-header-link="Shake It Out!">Shake it out!</h2><p>Make a<a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/eight-diy-musical-instruments-for-under-fives" target="_blank"> homemade shaker</a> or use one you already have. Lead your child in shaking to the beat - holding the shaker above their head, to the side, shaking it in a circle, shaking it behind them, and so on.</p><h2 data-header-link="Do The Hokey Cokey">Do the Hokey Cokey</h2><p>A favourite party song for decades, the great thing about the Hokey Cokey is that it also helps children with learning their left and right, and body parts. </p><h2 data-header-link="We're Going On A Bear Hunt">We're Going on a Bear Hunt</h2><p>The rhythm of this popular story builds musical appreciation and combines it with literacy and movement. </p><h2 data-header-link="Peter And The Wolf">Peter and the Wolf</h2><p>Introduce your little ones to classical music with this fairytale told with music. Tell them the story and then help them identify the different characters played by different instruments - Peter is played by the violin, the bird is the flute, the duck the oboe, the hunters the drums and so on. &nbsp;Get them to do movements like the character when they hear their music and instruments. </p><h2 data-header-link="Five Little Ducks">Five Little Ducks</h2><p>This action song has simple movements as it tells the tale of the ducklings that go missing. Introduces simple maths - and don't worry, there's a happy ending!</p><h2 data-header-link="Sleeping Bunnies">Sleeping bunnies</h2><p>The children lie 'sleeping' on the floor while you sing the verse. Then you shout 'wake up little bunnies' and they hop up and hop around as you sing the chorus. The movement changes each time, so they have to skip, jump etc.</p><h2 data-header-link="The Grand Old Duke Of York">The Grand Old Duke of York</h2><p>This preschool music favourite will get preschoolers marching and climbing in time to the song.</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:800px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ee9f02dc6320fec0d4900ac-music-and-movement-activities-for-preschoolers-4-1.jpeg" width="800" height="522" loading="lazy" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ee9f02dc6320fec0d4900ac-music-and-movement-activities-for-preschoolers-4-1.jpeg 239w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ee9f02dc6320fec0d4900ac-music-and-movement-activities-for-preschoolers-4-1.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5ee9f02dc6320fec0d4900ac-music-and-movement-activities-for-preschoolers-4-1.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ee9f02dc6320fec0d4900ac-music-and-movement-activities-for-preschoolers-4-1.jpeg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="Quiet And Loud">Quiet and loud</h2><p>Play Bjork's song Oh So Quiet. When she sings quietly, they must tiptoe around the room quietly - once she gets loud, they can run around shouting, but must be ready to go quiet again!</p><h2 data-header-link="Get Bouncy">Get bouncy</h2><p>Get some different balls and get the toddlers and preschoolers to experiment how bouncy they are. Then get them to bounce in a different way - like a kangaroo, with big strong bounces and like a rabbit, with more gentle bounces.</p><h2 data-header-link="Go For A Listening Walk"><strong>Go for a listening walk</strong></h2><p>When you are out walking, listen for different sounds - birds singing, reversing lorries beeping. Try to imitate the sounds as you are walking.</p><h2 data-header-link="Dance Like...">Dance like...</h2><p>After your walk, put on some music and let the toddlers and preschoolers dance around, moving like some of the things you have seen - a wiggly worm, a trotting horse, a flying bird, a swaying tree.</p><h2 data-header-link="Baby Shark">Baby Shark</h2><p>Sing the song and do the actions. Just try not to have it going round and round in your head all day!</p>

This preschooler loves moving and grooving as music plays.

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Be inspired by these fun music and movement activities that you can do at home with your preschooler.

27 Music And Movement Activities For Preschoolers

<p>So many of the top tracks your kids will be bopping along to have been produced by the world's best DJs, who have been <a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/online-dance-videos-for-kids-to-keep-active" target="_blank">bringing the party vibe</a> to social media with live-streamed sets.</p><p>If your kids have enjoyed this fantastic access to live DJ sets and music <a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/youve-got-talent-great-family-talent-show-ideas" target="_blank">concerts</a> – why not have your child learn how to DJ online from home?</p><p>In this digital age, far more DJ lessons and courses are accessible online. It means kids who might not have DJ equipment at home or have no DJing experience, or are shy, can develop their skills and grow their confidence without an audience.</p><p>The London Sound Academy, which teaches kids of all ages and levels, says kids' DJ lessons are a "cool and fun way to inspire your kids to get into music" and is the "perfect way to combine technical and creative skills". DJing is an inclusive activity so it suits children with different learning styles and children with special educational needs. Teaching a child to trust their own creativity feeds into life skills so there's definitely more to DJing than meets the eye (or ears).</p><p>‍</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ea7ec294fbd1a21ed2d6235-2-2.jpeg" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ea7ec294fbd1a21ed2d6235-2-2.jpeg 104w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ea7ec294fbd1a21ed2d6235-2-2.jpeg 334w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5ea7ec294fbd1a21ed2d6235-2-2.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ea7ec294fbd1a21ed2d6235-2-2.jpeg 533w" sizes="100vw" width="533"></figure><h2>Algoriddim</h2><p>Algoriddim's mission is to make professional-level DJ software accessible to budding DJs at home, whatever their skill level so they can bring music to life. DJ Arch Jnr from South Africa was reported to be the world's youngest DJ when he started at just two years old, and then became Algoriddim's youngest ambassador.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qUHw16QKTfM"></oembed></figure><p>Algoriddim's free or paid for 'djay 2' app can be downloaded from App Store or Google Play straight to a phone or computer. The interface looks very technical but there are so many young Algoriddim ambassadors, we think the app is suitable for children from about three upwards to play around on at least. Their DJ School page on the website is packed with free DJ lessons from how to scratch, mix, music sources and industry knowledge about being a DJ. Plus, there are so many videos to watch on Algoriddim's YouTube.</p><h2>Serato DJ Lite</h2><p><a href="https://kidadl.com/online-events/learn-how-to-dj-with-serato-dj-lite" target="_blank">Serato</a> celebrated its 20th anniversary earlier this year so has been in the DJ game a long time. Serato DJ Lite is described as a "stripped back version of Serato DJ Pro with all the features you need to start DJing". It's free to use without any hardware or special DJ equipment. Download the app directly from the Serato website, use music from streaming sites Soundcloud or Tidal, or your child can start their DJ lessons with the six demo tracks available to practice mixing. &nbsp;Head to the 'Free Stuff' section of the website to see what's being offered and also 'Tutorials' which has plenty of lessons to help your child while in practice mode. The DJ lessons continue on YouTube as well as exclusive DJ mixes and interviews to make your child fall in love with music.</p><h2>You.DJ</h2><p>You.DJ turns your laptop or computer screen into a DJ mixer – complete with two turntables – and your pick of songs from YouTube and Soundcloud. Admittedly, when you get onto the You.DJ website, it does looks a little intimidating so the 'How to mix with YouDJ (tutorial)' will be the best place for your child to start. For a free app, You.DJ is pretty amazing and gives children a chance to experiment with their musicality and develop DJ skills at their own pace. The sound and visual effects and being able to access decks so easily will heighten the experience. Your child will feel like Annie Mac or Jax Jones in no time.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h5kFZ2UZ4uI"></oembed></figure><h2>DJ School UK</h2><p>DJ School UK is a not-for-profit organisation, based in Leeds, which runs DJ lessons for young people via its DJ Club and runs free projects all year round. Face-to-face DJ tuition has taken a break for now, but there are still lots of valuable tutorials on their YouTube and Facebook pages to help kids understand how to work a CD mixer, teach them about music and sound quality, and explains how to use different pieces of DJ equipment, for example. They won't be able to physically DJ without downloading software or having equipment, but we think these videos will inspire kids and help teach them the craft of being a DJ with simple instructions. Have a read of their 'DJing during Lockdown 2020' post – it's packed full of free music resources for kids to learn to DJ and more.</p><h2>Melodics</h2><p>Music production involves combining lots of different elements and instruments, which is a huge part of being a DJ too. Melodics is a finger-drumming tutorial app that offers music lessons in the MIDI keyboard, electronic drums and pad controller. There are 60 free lessons to get your child started once they download the desktop app from the website. The only downside is, you will need to have the instruments at home to follow along with the tutors. The app focuses on motivating the learner by tracking their skills progress in a fun way and lessons are in bite-sized chunks. If you don't have any instruments at home, research virtual instruments like virtualpiano.net. Older children and teenagers could use the online piano in conjunction with Melodics, whereas younger children might just want to click away on the piano/keyboard keys.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mQzRv5bj2mU"></oembed></figure><h2><strong>Thinking Of Paying For DJ Tuition?</strong></h2><p>Kids' DJ lessons are becoming increasingly popular. To get started, contact local music schools and if they don't offer DJ lessons, ask if they can recommend a tutor. Whichever music school or DJ tutor you choose, you'll want to establish if:</p><p>- The school or tutor is reputable?</p><p>- Is the tutor DBS checked and what qualifications and skills do they have?</p><p>- Can your child have a &nbsp;free practice lesson to try before you book?</p><p>- Is this tutor the best fit for your child? It's vital your child likes who's teaching them and the tutor has experience with different types of children.</p><p>- What have their students gone on to do in the industry? What industry contacts does the school/ tutor have? This is more important if your child is showing a real talent in DJing or music production and wants to progress. &nbsp;Sharing the names of their past students might not be possible due to tutors having to sometimes sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) but they should be able to give some details.</p><p>‍</p><p>Once the DJ'ing skills are mastered, why not have a <a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/how-to-have-a-rave-at-home-with-your-tiny-dancers" target="_blank">rave at home</a> or a <a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/how-to-throw-a-fun-at-home-disco-for-your-kids" target="_blank">disco party</a> to show off these new skills?!</p>

DJ'ing is a very fun activity and can teach kids many skills too.

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Kids are never too young to start DJing so help them learn to DJ online with these free resources 

Best Apps For Kids To Learn To DJ Online

<p>Just because we're all spending more time at home doesn't mean there isn't time to party!</p><p>Why not break up some of the monotony by throwing your very own disco party? It's a great excuse to enjoy some great music, party games, and have fun as a family. Here are some of our top tips on how to throw the ultimate lockdown kids disco!</p><h2>1. Invite Your Guests</h2><p>What's a party without invitations? Get the kids excited for their disco party by making fun 'invitations' for each person. These can be as simple or complex as you like, but a disco theme is easy to DIY - just add glitter! Stuck for what to write? Try our party invite template:</p><p>'Dear (name)</p><p>You are invited to the (family name)'s LOCKDOWN DISCO PARTY!</p><p>Location: Living Room</p><p>Time: 6pm on Friday</p><p>Dress Code: Disco Divas &amp; Dancing Dudes</p><p>Attending: Y/N'</p><p><strong>Top tip: </strong>Write the children's names on the front of the invites and 'deliver' them to their rooms- then let them 'RSVP' to the party by circling one option for their attendance on the invitation.</p><h2>2. Light It Up</h2><p>Getting the lighting right is sure to get everyone in the disco mood. If you have a box of winter decorations, why not dig out the fairy lights and string them around? Lamps and other dimmed lighting are also a great way to give your party some cool mood lighting. Even better, if you happen to have a disco ball or strobe lights be sure to include these. Consider throwing your disco party after dark, to get the maximum effect of the lighting. Alternatively, draw the curtains and get your groove on!</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f340e2c93816166148a5350-disco.jpeg" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f340e2c93816166148a5350-disco.jpeg 195w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f340e2c93816166148a5350-disco.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f340e2c93816166148a5350-disco.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f340e2c93816166148a5350-disco.jpeg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></figure><h2>3. Decorate!</h2><p>From paper banners to metallic streamers, there are countless ways you can customise your disco space. If your disco is doubling as a birthday party, why not check out this <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/ways-to-celebrate-your-childs-birthday-in-lockdown">post </a>for some special birthday decorating tips?</p><p><strong>Top tip: </strong>Try folding tinfoil around cardboard shapes and stringing these up for some funky DIY party decorations. Kids will love this easy craft activity and it's a great way to get them excited for their disco party.</p><h2>4. Let's Get Glowy</h2><p>Glow sticks are a fun, safe, and easy way to add some extra fun to your disco party. Always a favourite with the kids, there are lots of places online to find them for cheap, and they can always be reused for future parties.</p><h2>5. Fancy Dress</h2><p>There's never been a better time to bring out the fancy dress box and have some dressing up fun! Colourful outfits are a must, with lots of accessories, 70's hairstyles and perhaps even a retro moustache here and there. Let the kids get inventive with their outfits, and make sure you glam up too!</p><p><strong>Top tip: </strong>Set up a 'catwalk' space in your disco area for when the 'guests' arrive- then turn up the music and let everyone show off their best poses in their disco outfits.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5eafda67eed19824784d5175-fancy-dress.jpeg" alt="family dressed up for a disco" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5eafda67eed19824784d5175-fancy-dress.jpeg 245w,https://media.kidadl.com/5eafda67eed19824784d5175-fancy-dress.jpeg 480w" sizes="100vw" width="480"></figure><h2>6. Party Snacks</h2><p>With the disco fun in full swing, it's time to bring out some snacks and drinks for your little dancers. Why not set up a table for everyone to nibble at while they party? This video has some great suggestions for easy party snacks:</p><p>Some other fun ideas for DIY disco snacks are:</p><p>- Cocktail sticks with chunks of cheddar cheese and pineapple</p><p>- Fruit kebabs- simply take some of your favourite berries and pop on a skewer!</p><p>- Carrot sticks and hummus</p><p>- Crisps and dip</p><p>- Cheese and crackers</p><p>- Cocktail sausages</p><p>- Mini scotch eggs</p><p>- Chopped up cucumber and celery with sour cream and chive dip</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3U0W4Wg6DI0"></oembed></figure><h2>7. Disco Drinks</h2><p>For a tasty (and healthy!) mid-disco drink, a smoothie is always a great bet to keep energy up for all that dancing! This yummy avocado, banana and strawberry smoothie packs in lots of nutrients and fruity goodness. Give to the kids after your disco party to help rehydrate and fill up.</p><p><strong>You will need:</strong></p><p>1/2 a ripe avocado</p><p>150g strawberries</p><p>1 ripe banana</p><p>200ml water</p><p>Ice, if desired</p><p>Honey to taste</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Simply place all the items in a blender and blend! Add some honey or maple syrup if not sweet enough, then serve in glasses or cups. This recipe serves roughly 2, so you can always double up measurements.</p><p><strong>Top tip: </strong>Try peeling and freezing your bananas to add an 'ice creamy' quality to the smoothie.</p><h2>8. Glitter Station</h2><p>Setting up a glitter station is a sure way to maximise the fun at your home disco party. Give the kids the option of a couple of different glitter options, and help them apply to their cheeks, body, or wherever you like- just be warned, this activity might require a little bit of clean-up afterwards!</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/golden_color_glitter_in_a_bottle_1bb317423d.jpg"></figure><h2>9. Top Tunes</h2><p>No disco party is complete without the perfect music! Time to pick out some of your favourite disco party tunes, share out the glow sticks and dance! Here's a few suggestions of some of the best child-friendly disco music to add to your party playlist:</p><p>'Stayin' Alive' - The BeeGees</p><p>'I'm So Excited' - The Pointer Sisters</p><p>'Funky Town' - Lipps Inc.</p><p>'Disco Inferno' - The Trammps</p><p>'We Are Family' - Sister Sledge</p><p>'Boogie Wonderland' - Earth, Wind &amp; Fire</p><p>'YMCA'- Village People</p><h2>10. Party Games</h2><p>Just because your disco party might have a few less guests than usual doesn't mean there isn't room for party games! These games are easy and fun, and don't require lots of players.</p><p><strong>Musical Statues</strong></p><p>One person is in charge of the music, and all the players dance until the music stops. Once the person in charge stops the music (this can be at any time!), all players must stop dancing immediately and freeze. Whoever is the last to freeze, or can't maintain their stance, is out.</p><p><strong>Limbo</strong></p><p>One of the most classic party games, all you need for limbo is a length of string, yarn or any other material. Two people hold the ends of the string, and the rest of the party guests must try and get under the string by bending backwards (no touching the floor allowed!). As everyone takes their turn, make the string lower and lower- the last person to be able to get under without falling wins!</p><p><strong>Dance Competition</strong></p><p>This game is sure to tire out the children, and get everyone moving. One person writes a list of different dance moves, and shouts them out randomly while the kids dance. Whoever comes up with the most original interpretation of the dance move wins! Some ideas to try:</p><p>- Dance like a disco superstar</p><p>- Dance like a scary shark!</p><p>- Dance like an alien</p><p>- Do the robot</p><p>- Shake your hips</p><p>- Strike your best disco pose!<br>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Top tip: </strong>If you're worried about noise, or want to add a fun new twist to your disco party, try a silent disco! If you have individual earphones and devices for the kids and a playlist, you can set them up with a disco playlist and let them go wild! This is a great option if you have other people working in the house or neighbours close by, and can also be used for the party games.</p>

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A list of great ideas on how you can put on a disco for your kids during lockdown.

D.I.S.C.O! How To Throw A Fun At-Home Disco For Your Kids

<p>Get your dancing shoes ready, because with these songs about family, you and your kids won't be able to stop.</p><p>If you're looking for new hit songs to add to the family playlist and music to play around the house or on your next road trip, then look no further. We've got you covered with the perfect music for all of your family members.</p><p>Whether it's your mother, father, daughter, son, grandma, grandpa, or even just a close friend, they'll all find something to enjoy. From slow relaxing hits to upbeat tracks that are sure to get the whole gang dancing and having a good time, there's a song for everyone here.</p><p>If you like our article on the 100 best songs about family, why not check out our articles on [tween birthday party ideas] and [2-year-old birthday party ideas] too?</p><p>‍</p><h2>Songs About A Parent's Love</h2><p>Nothing compares to the unconditional love that comes from the parental figures in our lives. Our parents are always reassuring us through hard times and giving us important life advice, and we know that no matter what differences we may have, they will always have our back at the end of the day. These are some of the most touching songs about what the love of a parent feels like that any son, daughter, mother or father can relate to.</p><p>1. 'Make You Feel My Love' by Adele.</p><p>2. 'Isn't She Lovely' by Stevie Wonder.</p><p>3. 'Let It Be' by The Beatles.</p><p>4. 'Run' by Pink.</p><p>5. 'Everything's Gonna Be Alright' by David Lee Murphy and Kenny Chesney.</p><p>6. 'Blue' by Beyonce.</p><p>7. &nbsp;'Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)' by John Lennon.</p><p>8. 'Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)' by Billy Joel.</p><p>9. 'Ready, Set, Don't Go' by Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus.</p><p>10. 'Sweet Child O' Mine' by Guns N' Roses.</p><p>11. 'Never Gonna Let You Down' by Colbie Caillat.</p><p>12. 'You Will Always Be My Son' by Anthem Lights.</p><p>13. 'Butterfly Kisses' by Bob Carlisle.</p><p>14. 'You'll Be Okay' by A Great Big World.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/60362f657b95eaae3cb36141-songs-about-a-parents-love.jpeg" alt="Whether it’s mom, dad, grandma, grandpa or the kids, there are songs about family for everyone to enjoy." srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_60362f657b95eaae3cb36141-songs-about-a-parents-love.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_60362f657b95eaae3cb36141-songs-about-a-parents-love.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/60362f657b95eaae3cb36141-songs-about-a-parents-love.jpeg 640w" sizes="100vw" width="640"></figure><h2>Songs About Mom</h2><p>Moms hold a very special place in all of our hearts. Any son or daughter knows how important a mother's love is. Even celebrities like Kanye West, Meghan Trainor and Christina Aguilera have been so touched by the love from their own mama that they have dedicated songs honoring her. Here's our favorite tunes that perfectly sum up how much we love our mothers.</p><p>15. 'Oh Mother' by Christina Aguilera.</p><p>16. 'Always Love My Mama' by The Intruders.</p><p>17. 'A Song For Mama' by J-Sol.</p><p>18. 'Dear Mama' by Tupac.</p><p>19. 'Mother In Law' by Ernie K Doe.</p><p>20. 'Mom' by Meghan Trainor and Kelli Trainor.</p><p>21. 'A Song For Mama' by Boyz II Men.</p><p>22. 'Hey Mama' by Kanye West.</p><p>23. 'Mamma Knows Best' by Jessie J.</p><h2>Songs About Dad</h2><p>We can't forget how important dads are in our lives. If you're looking for the perfect song for daddy's little girl or the perfect song for an important man in your life, we've got you covered with these heartwarming tunes about love from a father. These are the perfect hits to add to your family playlist to make sure your father or a father figure in your life is feeling the love. &nbsp;</p><p>24. 'Dance With My Father' by Luther Vandross.</p><p>25. 'Father Of Mine' by Everclear.</p><p>26. 'Daddy's Little Girl' by The Shires.</p><p>27. 'Daddy' by Beyonce.</p><p>28. 'I Learned From You' by Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus.</p><p>29. 'Not All Heroes Wear Capes' by Owl City.</p><p>30. 'Daddy's Hands' by Holly Dunn.</p><p>31. 'Father Figure' by George Michael.</p><p>32. 'Father's Eyes' by Eric Clapton.</p><h2>Songs About Siblings</h2><p>While siblings are known for endless fighting and throwing pranks on each other, growing up together also means you share a pretty special bond. This is our favorite music about sibling love that kids can relate to and dance to!</p><p>33. 'Hey Brother' by Avicii.</p><p>34. 'Sister Christian' by Night Ranger.</p><p>35. 'Hey, Soul Sister' by Train.</p><p>36. 'Come Dancing' by the Kinks.</p><p>37. 'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother' by The Hollies.</p><p>38. 'Sister' by Prince.</p><p>39. 'Brothers &amp; Sisters' by Coldplay.</p><p>40. 'Oh Sister' by Bob Dylan.</p><p>41. 'What's Happening, Brother?' by Marvin Gaye.</p><h2>Popular Songs About Family And Friends</h2><p>These are some of the most powerful tunes that perfectly capture what love from family and friends feels like. We think that 'Because You Loved Me' by Celine Dion is the most touching song about family ever. This powerful song sums up how important family is to us through the good times and the bad times. We've also included some of our other favorite tunes that you and your family are sure to be singing at the tops of your lungs on the next family road trip.</p><p>42. 'Because You Loved Me' by Celine Dion.</p><p>43. 'You Raise Me Up' by Josh Groban.</p><p>44. 'Wind Beneath My Wings' by Bette Midler.</p><p>45. 'Fix You' by Coldplay.</p><p>46. 'You've Got A Friend In Me' by Randy Newman.</p><p>47. 'Home' by Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros.</p><p>48. 'Your Song' by Elton John.</p><p>49. 'Count On Me' by Bruno Mars.</p><p>50. 'Home' by Phillip Phillips.</p><p>51. 'Lean On Me' by Bill Withers.</p><p>52. 'Stand By Me' by Ben E. King.</p><p>53. 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' by Marvin Gaye.</p><h2>Disney Songs About Family</h2><p>We all know Disney has amazing songs for every occasion, and their songs about family are no different. Here's our top songs about family from Disney themselves that are perfect for you and your kids to sing and dance to. From powerful songs about loved ones, to hit songs about building relationships with family and struggling to meet family expectations, Disney has you covered.</p><p>54. 'Dig A Little Deeper' by Jennifer Lewis from 'The Princess And The Frog'.</p><p>55. 'He Lives in You' from 'Lion King 2: Simba's Pride'.</p><p>56. 'We Are One' from 'Lion King 2: Simba's Pride'.</p><p>57. 'Do You Wanna Build A Snowman' from 'Frozen'.</p><p>58. 'For The First Time In Forever (Reprise)' from 'Frozen'.</p><p>59. 'Remember Me' from 'Coco'.</p><p>60. 'The World Es Mi Familia' from 'Coco'.</p><p>61. 'Reflection' by Christina Aguilera from 'Mulan'.</p><p>62. 'Journey To The Past' by Liz Callaway from 'Anastasia'.</p><p>63. 'You've Got A Friend In Me' by Randy Newman from 'Toy Story'.</p><p>64. 'You'll Be In My Heart' by Phil Collins from 'Tarzan'.</p><p>65. 'We're All In This Together' from 'High School Musical'.</p><p>66. 'Where You Are' from 'Moana'.</p><h2>Songs About Growing Up</h2><p>Growing up can be just as scary for a parent as it is for a child. Seeing your kids grow up can be super exciting but it can also be very nerve wracking watching them leave the nest and face the big, wide world by themselves. Here's our favorite songs about what it feels like to grow up and leave home, realising how important family is in your life, and what it's like for a parent seeing their child grow up.</p><p>67. '7 Years' by Lukas Graham.</p><p>68. 'Grow As We Go' by Ben Platt.</p><p>69. 'Hand To Hold' by JJ Heller.</p><p>70. 'A Million Dreams' from 'The Greatest Showman'.</p><p>71. 'Growing Up' by Macklemore and Ed Sheeran.</p><p>72. 'When We Grow Up' by Diana Ross.</p><p>73. 'The House That Built Me' by Miranda Lambert.</p><p>74. 'Who Says You Can't Go Home' by Bon Jovi.</p><p>75. 'Don't Forget to Remember Me' by Carrie Underwood.</p><p>76. 'YOUTH' by Troye Sivan.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/60362f7b00fe2929d18c9ae4-songs-about-growing-up.jpeg" alt="Music can be a great way to show your family how much you love them." srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_60362f7b00fe2929d18c9ae4-songs-about-growing-up.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_60362f7b00fe2929d18c9ae4-songs-about-growing-up.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/60362f7b00fe2929d18c9ae4-songs-about-growing-up.jpeg 640w" sizes="100vw" width="640"></figure><h2>Songs With Family In The Title</h2><p>If you're searching for the perfect song to dedicate to your family, then look no further. 'We Are Family' by Sister Sledge is our personal favorite pick for showing your family how much you love them. With an upbeat, funky vibe that is perfect for singing at the top of your lungs, your family will have a blast jamming to this song together. If you're looking for even more family songs, these are some of our other top rated hit songs with family in the title. &nbsp;</p><p>77. 'We Are Family' by Sister Sledge.</p><p>78. 'Keep The Family Close' by Drake.</p><p>79. 'Family Business' by Kanye West.</p><p>80. 'Family Affair' by Mary J. Blige.</p><p>81. 'Family Man' by Lily Allen.</p><p>82. 'Family Affair' by Sly &amp; The Family Stone.</p><p>83. 'Family Is Family' by Kacey Musgraves .</p><h2>Powerful Songs That Teach Important Family Lessons</h2><p>Even the most perfect families have their ups and downs from time to time as they go through life together. Navigating family relationships can be a lot of work and we have all had our fair share of fights with those we love the most. From John Mayer and Pink to The Beatles and Marvin Gaye, these timeless songs sum up universal family struggles. This list of great songs teach important lessons about the issues families face, from feeling misunderstood and lonely to the importance of showing your family how much you love them.</p><p>84. 'Father And Son' by Yusuf / Cat Stevens.</p><p>85. 'All That I Got Is You' by Ghostface Killah and Mary J. Blige.</p><p>86. 'Family Portrait' by Pink.</p><p>87. 'Hey Jude' by The Beatles.</p><p>88. 'What's Going On' by Marvin Gaye.</p><p>89. 'Daughters' by John Mayer.</p><p>90. 'Teach Your Children' by Crosby Stills, Nash and Young.</p><p>91. 'Kissing Boys In The Street' by Greg Holden.</p><p>92. 'Get Along' by Kenny Chesney.</p><h2>Songs About Saying Goodbye To A Loved One</h2><p>Losing a close family member can be one of the hardest experiences we ever go through, but these powerful songs show us that we never truly lose our loved ones as they continue to live on in our memories. So, if you're going through a hard time and need a good song to celebrate your loved one's life, make sure to add these hit tunes to your <a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/playlist-names-for-every-mood">playlist</a>.</p><p>93. 'Memories' by Maroon 5.</p><p>94. 'In The Arms Of An Angel' by Nicholas McDonald.</p><p>95. 'Supermarket Flowers' by Ed Sheeran.</p><p>96. 'One Sweet Day' by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men.</p><p>97. 'Holes In The Floor Of Heaven' by Steve Wariner.</p><p>98. 'Only One' by Kanye West.</p><p>99. 'Everglow' by Coldplay.</p><p>100. 'See You Again' by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth.</p><p>If you enjoyed our article on the 100 best songs about family, we think you'll love our articles on [Grandparents' Day card ideas] and [Dr Seuss preschool crafts].</p><p>‍</p>

Family plays such a big role in our lives, so why not celebrate them with these awesome tunes?

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We've compiled the perfect list of songs about family that kids and parents will have a blast dancing and singing to all day long.

100 Best Songs About Family For The Whole Gang To Jam To

<p>We were so excited to have the fabulous family performer Nick Cope join us for our third Lockdown Lives Q&amp;A session, talking us through how his CBBC show came to be and giving some great tips on getting your kids interested in music.&nbsp;<br></p><p>Born into a family of actors, creativity was certainly in the Cope blood (in fact Nick’s son’s DJing offered our own Q&amp;A background soundtrack!) and although all three children are now grown up, Nick chatted to us about what music meant in their household.&nbsp;<br></p><p>From the world of indie rock, where Nick’s former band The Candyskins played alongside the likes of Supergrass throughout the ‘90s, to entertaining families across the UK, Nick offers his words of wisdom on how to make learning an instrument fun and accessible for children at any age. Read on to discover Nick’s top tips, and watch the full interview on Kidadl TV <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/online-events/lockdown-lives-nick-cope">here</a>.<br></p><h2 data-header-link="Don’t Lose Faith In What You Love"><strong>Don’t Lose Faith In What You Love</strong></h2><p>“I was in a band for a long time and I was very lucky to do that, but when it came to an end it was really hard to find a way to get back into music, because I’d given it my all so to speak. But once I started teaching kids I realised this could be a way of being creative again which is what I was looking for, I just couldn’t find it. And now six albums and thousands of gigs later I’m here and I’ve got a show on the BBC?!”</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:800px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ef468de6fe3af43b0c97978-nick-cope-lockdown-lives-2.jpeg" width="800" height="533" loading="lazy" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ef468de6fe3af43b0c97978-nick-cope-lockdown-lives-2.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ef468de6fe3af43b0c97978-nick-cope-lockdown-lives-2.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5ef468de6fe3af43b0c97978-nick-cope-lockdown-lives-2.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ef468de6fe3af43b0c97978-nick-cope-lockdown-lives-2.jpeg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="It’s Okay To Feel Uninspired In Lockdown"><strong>It’s Okay To Feel Uninspired In Lockdown</strong></h2><p>“People might think it should be really inspirational time, just sitting around thinking, but it doesn’t really work like that. I’ll work on songs all the time so it’s been good having time to do that, but the best way for me to get inspiration is going into schools and looking at what children are interested in. I’m not quite sure what to sing about being stuck at home!”<br></p><h2 data-header-link="Having Fun Is The Most Important Lesson"><strong>Having Fun Is The Most Important Lesson&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>“Music lessons are really good, but you’ve got to make it really fun, sing songs and learn through fun. Make sure you get a fun teacher and then you’re winning! Like all things you have to practice to get better and if you enjoy it then the practice isn’t torturous, it should be a fun thing where you feel like you’re getting something from it because every single day that you practice you will get better. And if it’s made fun rather than just reading notes off a page, or whatever part of it isn’t fun for you, then just avoid that because it is such a wonderful thing to be able to do.”<br></p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:799px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ef469484d59035e6088d13a-nick-cope-lockdown-lives-3.jpeg" width="799" height="533" loading="lazy" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ef469484d59035e6088d13a-nick-cope-lockdown-lives-3.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ef469484d59035e6088d13a-nick-cope-lockdown-lives-3.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5ef469484d59035e6088d13a-nick-cope-lockdown-lives-3.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ef469484d59035e6088d13a-nick-cope-lockdown-lives-3.jpeg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="Get Creative With Your Instruments"><strong>Get Creative With Your Instruments</strong></h2><p>“Use stickers on your guitar so you know where to put your fingers, make cardboard guitars and decorate them so that they become sort of precious things, they become important. That’s one thing we do at the show - hand out cardboard guitars at the end and plastic glasses and the children become like mini-mes! Even just pretend strumming is starting to learn to play the instrument. They’ll start getting ambidextrous - holding it in one hand and strumming it with the other - and that’s a really good start, and it gives them a love for it as well.”<br></p><h2 data-header-link="Start With Song And Dance!"><strong>Start With Song And Dance!</strong></h2><p>“Singing is a wonderful thing to do, it makes everybody happy. That’s why the guitar is a nice thing to do, and the ukulele is as well, because you can sing at the same time. It’s not like the recorder where you can’t really sing-a-long and play at the same time, that wouldn’t be easy! So lots of singing in the house and lots of dancing, moving around to music. Just get them interested.”<br></p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:800px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ef4695ef8560f7bc8987e53-nick-cope-lockdown-lives-4.jpeg" width="800" height="452" loading="lazy" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ef4695ef8560f7bc8987e53-nick-cope-lockdown-lives-4.jpeg 245w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ef4695ef8560f7bc8987e53-nick-cope-lockdown-lives-4.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5ef4695ef8560f7bc8987e53-nick-cope-lockdown-lives-4.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ef4695ef8560f7bc8987e53-nick-cope-lockdown-lives-4.jpeg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="And Finally, Fuel Up In The Right Way…"><strong>And Finally, Fuel Up In The Right Way…</strong></h2><p>“To set me up for a full day of songwriting, I’ll usually have a banana and then some toast with a little bit of marmalade. Plus lots of cups of tea!”</p><div></div><p>‍<br></p>

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Family performer Nick Cope offers some great insights into cultivating your children’s love of music at any age.

Meet The Man Behind The Guitar: CBBC’s Popcast Presenter Nick Cope On Music And Mayhem

<p>Let's get this show on the road. We know it can be daunting taking your little ones to the theatre for the first time so we've come up with six top tips to ensure the best experience possible!</p><p>‍</p><p>There's so much exciting child and family-friendly theatre just waiting to be seen all around London but The Cockpit Theatre in Marylebone is one of our all-time favourites for unique and innovative entertainment, specifically aimed at young ones and their families. Whether you like puppetry, animals or adventures - The Cockpit has it all!</p><p>‍</p><p>Here are our six expert tips to guide you through your first experience taking young ones to the theatre. Let them experience and enjoy the magic.</p><h2>1. Suitability</h2><p>There's so much great theatre on offer in and around London and it can sometimes be difficult to determine what is suitable and what's not. Thankfully, most shows nowadays have recommended age restrictions to ensure that those in the audience are able to deal with themes touched upon within the show and that no one is left wondering what is going on! We recommend checking out these age restrictions beforehand on the Kidadl app to ensure a fun time for all. We would also recommend going to see a matinee performance of a show - that way, there's no need to worry about staying out late and catching the last train.</p><p>‍</p><p>Swish! at The Cockpit is a brilliant show for both adults and children. Suitable for those under 5, Swish! focuses on introducing children to environmental issues through engaging and magical puppetry!</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ec267168409130ec2a02cf0-swish.jpeg" alt="Girl placing hand on huge fish tank " srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ec267168409130ec2a02cf0-swish.jpeg 208w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ec267168409130ec2a02cf0-swish.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ec267168409130ec2a02cf0-swish.jpeg 520w" sizes="100vw" width="520"></figure><h2>2. Engage in conversation about the nature of the theatre</h2><p>There’s nothing more exciting than a trip to the theatre but for first-timers it can be daunting. To help ease this, talk to your children about the nature of the theatre beforehand. Tell them about the grand auditorium, where all the music comes from (the secret orchestra pit!) and all the people working hard backstage to make what’s on stage happen. Familiarise them with the concept of sitting in the dark and watching live actors - explain how it differs from the cinema in that sense. When you get to the theatre, try to engage your little ones - why don't you let them be the one to hand over the tickets to the usher and&nbsp;find their seat; this way, it won't seem so foreign.</p><p>‍</p><p>Dr Dolittle at The Cockpit is a great way to introduce your mini thespians (aged three and above) to the theatre - a story that most are already familiar with and that is sure to put a smile on anyone's face.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ec267168409131813a02cf2-dr-doo.jpeg" alt="Dr Dolittle with animals cartoon" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ec267168409131813a02cf2-dr-doo.jpeg 208w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ec267168409131813a02cf2-dr-doo.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ec267168409131813a02cf2-dr-doo.jpeg 520w" sizes="100vw" width="520"></figure><h2>3. Brief them (briefly) on the show beforehand</h2><p>There’s no denying that a trip to the theatre isn’t incredibly magical but it goes without saying that it can be a little overwhelming for youngsters. Now, we’re not suggesting that you explain the plot in depth, rather, that you should familiarise your little ones with the story. Children's shows are usually based on children's books or television programmes, so if there are familiar characters and themes in the show, it might be wise to read the book or watch the programme beforehand. This way, they'll be seeing some familiar faces up on stage! A lot of children's shows are also highly interactive and hands-on so be sure to explain this opportunity to your little ones - they can be a part of the show too.</p><p>‍</p><p>The Lost Luggage Adventures at The Cockpit is just one example of interactive theatre. Suitable for those aged three and above, pick a suitcase and discover a magical world hidden within!</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ec267168409130a29a02cf1-luggage.jpeg" alt="The Lost Luggage Adventures at The Cockpit Theatre" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ec267168409130a29a02cf1-luggage.jpeg 208w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ec267168409130a29a02cf1-luggage.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ec267168409130a29a02cf1-luggage.jpeg 520w" sizes="100vw" width="520"></figure><h2>4. When in the theatre</h2><p>After you’ve sat down in those luxurious, red velvet seats, soak in the atmosphere. Why not play a game of "I spy"? Take in all the different components of the theatre. Maybe even get to the auditorium a little early and have a wander down the aisles. We also recommend taking mental notes throughout the show - this way, if there’s an interval, you can discuss and engage with the performance. What do their costumes look like? Are there any cool props? Also, it is important to make sure your little ones are comfortable and are able to see. Booster seats are readily available at most theatres, so never be afraid to ask for one!</p><p>‍</p><p>Leaping Frog at The Cockpit makes use of super cool puppets and props to explore the story of Goggles the frog. Suitable for those aged two and above - bounce on down!</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ec267168409136710a02cf5-frog.jpeg" alt="green frog " srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ec267168409136710a02cf5-frog.jpeg 208w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ec267168409136710a02cf5-frog.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ec267168409136710a02cf5-frog.jpeg 520w" sizes="100vw" width="520"></figure><p>‍</p><h2>5. Bring snacks</h2><p>We know snacks can be a big no-no in the theatre but shows can be long, especially for those who are of a younger age. It's easy to become restless even if the show is providing the best entertainment. As long as they aren't rustly and you get them out of your bag before the show starts to avoid distracting anyone around you, giving your little ones something to snack on will ensure that their brains are fuelled up, ready to be fully engaged in all the action! Snacks can also be expensive at the theatre, so we recommend bringing your own - that way, you won't run the risk of not finding anything suitable and you'll save your pennies. Win win!</p><p>‍</p><p>Käfig: Fool's Parsley at the Cockpit is a great one for keeping both you and your little ones on your toes! Suitable for those aged four and above, this unrehearsed, improvised play is an incredible unique experience for all the family.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ec267168409139023a02bfb-kafig.jpeg" alt="Two children peering behind a theatre curtain" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ec267168409139023a02bfb-kafig.jpeg 245w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ec267168409139023a02bfb-kafig.jpeg 480w" sizes="100vw" width="480"></figure><h2>6. Enjoy it</h2><p>Some of the most magical memories are created in the theatre - us folks at Kidadl certainly remember our first trips to the theatre! There's something truly unique and special about going to the theatre with your family and being immersed in someone else's world for a few hours. We know it can be daunting to even think about taking your toddler to the theatre but there are so many brilliant kid-friendly shows out there - it would be a shame not to. Be inspired and sit back and relax!<br>&nbsp;</p>

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Curtain up! Check out our six top tips for taking your mini thespians to the theatre for the first time.

6 Top Tips For Taking Your Mini Thespians To The Theatre For The First Time 

<p>Despite the lockdown measures having changed, many families may be feeling apprehensive about heading out to their favourite spots this half term.</p><p>Don't worry, we hear you - which is why we've found these things to do for kids of any age!<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Half term can be a tricky time to keep them entertained anyway, let alone during a lockdown. With warmer weather, and school having been closed for a while already - this is by no means a normal half term.</p><p>But luckily, there are so many online platforms that are catering for this time with virtual events and activities that you can get involved with at home or in the garden. We've put together some of our favourite resources and activities and put them into an easy to use age group list. So, whether you're looking for <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/spring-to-it-top-outdoor-games-to-try">outdoor games</a>, science experiments or virtual concerts, we've got it covered. Scroll to the bottom to discover your ultimate half term planner, and thank us later Kidadlers...</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Babies and toddlers (0-2 years)</h2><p>1) During lockdown, life may not be too different for children aged 0-2, but it's still important to keep them active. So try watching Baby Milena and her mum sharing their <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/online-events/find-your-zen-at-mother-and-baby-yoga">mummy and baby yoga via YouTube</a>. It's a great way to keep active, play together and enjoy some bonding time with your baby from as old as 10 weeks. If you enjoy this activity, why not try searching for more yoga videos on YouTube for different age groups of toddlers.</p><p>2) Then, try this video series starting with "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_znET6PHW7E" target="_blank" nofollow="nofollow">30 Toddler Activities At Home - How To&nbsp;Entertain A&nbsp;2-Year-Old</a>". It is a compilation of the best activities that this mum did with her 2-year-old daughter. They include activities such as quick and easy, simple sensory, messy and hands-on Montessori at home that help to develop fine motor skills. There are also lots of other videos that you can find on YouTube to entertain young toddler and babies, including many that we've already featured on Kidadl. <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/youtube-videos-toddlers">This blog</a> features a list of the best YouTube videos for children aged 0-5 however there are many that are suitable for the younger bracket - so this is also a good one to try.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ec4f45bb74b2b0f805df6a8-top-19-things-to-do-this-may-half-term-during-lockdown-by-age-group-3-1.jpeg" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ec4f45bb74b2b0f805df6a8-top-19-things-to-do-this-may-half-term-during-lockdown-by-age-group-3-1.jpeg 233w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ec4f45bb74b2b0f805df6a8-top-19-things-to-do-this-may-half-term-during-lockdown-by-age-group-3-1.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5ec4f45bb74b2b0f805df6a8-top-19-things-to-do-this-may-half-term-during-lockdown-by-age-group-3-1.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ec4f45bb74b2b0f805df6a8-top-19-things-to-do-this-may-half-term-during-lockdown-by-age-group-3-1.jpeg 799w" sizes="100vw" width="799"></figure><h2>Preschoolers (2-5 years)</h2><p>1) PBS Kids is offering your children the opportunity to get creative and explore new ideas with Michelle Obama. Her storytelling and lessons are bound to ignite their imaginations and keep them entertained. On Monday you could watch <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/online-events/read-along-with-michelle-obama">Michelle Obama</a> doing her bit to help ease the lockdown boredom for kids, as she will be reading a range of classic children's books on YouTube and Facebook.</p><p>2) If your children love storytime, try watching award-winning <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/organiser/julia-donaldson">Julia Donaldson</a>, who is the author of all the best children's picture books, from The Gruffalo and Stick Man to Zog and Room on the Broom. In these <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/online-events/go-live-with-julia-donaldson-and-friends">amazing storytelling videos,</a> she teams up with longtime illustrator friend Axel Scheffler, as they explore her childhood classics.</p><p>3) Try this amazing <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/online-events/join-a-live-family-sing-along">sing-along session</a> with your family, run by Emerson Waldorf School! Although they are based in America, they use Facebook to bring their videos to kids all over the world - just be careful about timings as they won't use BST and you'll have to convert it if you wish to watch live. Otherwise, you can always use their Facebook page to catch up with their interactive Family Sing-Alongs. &nbsp;This activity is perfect for younger children, however, they say that all ages could give it a go and they are welcome to participate!</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ec4f1e6a48f9b619b0c980e-top-19-things-to-do-this-may-half-term-during-lockdown-by-age-group-2-1.jpeg" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ec4f1e6a48f9b619b0c980e-top-19-things-to-do-this-may-half-term-during-lockdown-by-age-group-2-1.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ec4f1e6a48f9b619b0c980e-top-19-things-to-do-this-may-half-term-during-lockdown-by-age-group-2-1.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5ec4f1e6a48f9b619b0c980e-top-19-things-to-do-this-may-half-term-during-lockdown-by-age-group-2-1.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ec4f1e6a48f9b619b0c980e-top-19-things-to-do-this-may-half-term-during-lockdown-by-age-group-2-1.jpeg 800w" sizes="100vw" width="800"></figure><h2>5-10-year-olds</h2><p>1) Trained dancer Sarah Du-Feu has been hosting perfect <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/online-events/bring-your-mini-ballerinas-to-a-virtual-dance-lesson">live-streamed ballet classes</a> aimed at children aged 5-7. Virtual Ballet lessons are great if your kids are missing their normal dance classes, or if they just want to try something new. So, during the lockdown, she is teaching kids fundamental ballet moves as well as doing some imaginative play at the same time. So, if you're looking to get your children active indoors or outdoors, these sessions are the perfect opportunity to get them dancing again.</p><p>2) The Laboratory Collective has just started offering a free virtual program, taking place Monday to Thursday at 3:30 pm GMT, that lets kids play along at home and learn to become a wizard! This interactive virtual wizarding school is perfect for children who love to watch magic on TV &nbsp;and it'll give your kids a fun escape and a positive way to interact this half term. Check out their interactive wizarding science class <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/online-events/join-an-interactive-magic-themed-science-class">here.</a></p><p>3) Why not try <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/online-events/go-on-a-imaginary-treasure-trunk-adventure">Imagination Adventure Live</a>, where children<strong> </strong>in the class will go on a dramatic adventure online that begins with the opening of the treasure trunk. "Act, Move, Create, and Play… Where will your imagination take you today?" is the motto of this interactive class, so if your kids are missing playing at school with their friends this might help.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ec4f43b5f25db0a64126f91-top-19-things-to-do-this-may-half-term-during-lockdown-by-age-group-4-1.jpeg" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ec4f43b5f25db0a64126f91-top-19-things-to-do-this-may-half-term-during-lockdown-by-age-group-4-1.jpeg 208w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ec4f43b5f25db0a64126f91-top-19-things-to-do-this-may-half-term-during-lockdown-by-age-group-4-1.jpeg 500w" sizes="100vw" width="500"></figure><h2>10-13-year-olds</h2><p>1) #Gardengig by Sheffield Music Hub is an idea to encourage you to <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/online-events/get-involved-in-a-garden-gig">hold a garden gig</a> at 4pm on any given day (or you could it every day if you wish) to bring music and positivity to your community! Whether it be your child or you who plays, they want to spread this idea to lift spirits and make sure that students are still practising and performing. For those tweens who are musical, this is a great way to keep them playing their instruments and teaching them all of the social benefits that music can have. So, whether you've got a big garden, a driveway or just a balcony, encourage your musical tween to get out there and share their talents with neighbours. Or, just explore the hashtag on social media and enjoy watching the talents!</p><p>2) The <a href="https://www.activityhero.com/online-classes?q=&amp;categories=Free+Activities">Activity Hero</a> has a whole range of live online classes and camps for kids provide engaging learning experiences from home during the lockdown. E-learning is a fun way to see other kids online when schools are closed and kids will have to get used to this being the norm for a little while now. You can find <a href="https://www.activityhero.com/online-classes?q=camp">virtual summer camps</a>, art, cooking, kids coding, languages, music, dance and other subjects among these popular online courses for kids.</p><p>3) Do your young teenagers love Harry Potter? If so, you have to try visiting this <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/online-events/harry-potter-a-history-of-magic-exhibition">Harry Potter page</a> from the British Library! They have so many things to see that Harry Potter fans will love. They've got everything from videos, to articles, to fun facts, so this is definitely the best place for fans to get their imaginations going during the lockdown.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ec4f41aa74d9929b66ec05b-top-19-things-to-do-this-may-half-term-during-lockdown-by-age-group-5-1.jpeg" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ec4f41aa74d9929b66ec05b-top-19-things-to-do-this-may-half-term-during-lockdown-by-age-group-5-1.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ec4f41aa74d9929b66ec05b-top-19-things-to-do-this-may-half-term-during-lockdown-by-age-group-5-1.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5ec4f41aa74d9929b66ec05b-top-19-things-to-do-this-may-half-term-during-lockdown-by-age-group-5-1.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ec4f41aa74d9929b66ec05b-top-19-things-to-do-this-may-half-term-during-lockdown-by-age-group-5-1.jpeg 799w" sizes="100vw" width="799"></figure><h2>Teens 14+</h2><p>1) <a href="https://www.therhythmstudio.co.uk/events/2020/5/26/may-half-term-online-holiday-courses">The Rhythm Studio</a> usually host their legendary Rock &amp; Roll Boot Camp courses during their May half term, however, they are currently on pause due to lockdown. However, they have developed a fantastic line up of online holiday music camps that can be taken from the comfort of your own home - details of which are on their website. Courses include songwriting sessions and a broad range of music production workshops and are perfect for budding young musicians to keep them entertained and learning during half term!</p><p>2) The Kennedy Center was once America's busiest performing arts centre, but since lockdown, their building has been deadly quiet. Usually hosting approximately 3,000 events each year for audiences numbering more than 2 million, they've now decided to solely focus on bringing their music to YouTube, where they have been live streaming in a series called <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/online-events/attend-a-couch-concert-from-your-living-room">Couch Concerts.</a> The live concerts are streamed from the homes of world-class artists, straight to your family home. They believe that "in times like these that we need artists most" so, head over to their platform to watch talented artists perform their work.</p><p>3) Encourage teens to learn about the importance of saving Kenya's lions during lockdown with this National Geographic live stream. The video was first shown Monday 18th of May but can be watched again using <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/online-events/join-national-geographic-and-learn-how-kenyas-lions-can-be-saved">this link</a>. It follows the journey of Shivani Bhalla who is a conservation biologist working to safeguard the future of Kenya's rapidly declining lion population. Join to learn how Shivani is working with local communities to help save the fewer than 2,000 lions left in Kenya. Also, <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1swcIIvaP2cprXqpwvphOTYllonf9N4m1KRg2902R_YU/edit">use the Family Guide</a> to prepare for the discussion and continue learning after you sign off.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ec4f37f3aa4022aab6bd326-top-19-things-to-do-this-may-half-term-during-lockdown-by-age-group-6-1.jpeg" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ec4f37f3aa4022aab6bd326-top-19-things-to-do-this-may-half-term-during-lockdown-by-age-group-6-1.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ec4f37f3aa4022aab6bd326-top-19-things-to-do-this-may-half-term-during-lockdown-by-age-group-6-1.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5ec4f37f3aa4022aab6bd326-top-19-things-to-do-this-may-half-term-during-lockdown-by-age-group-6-1.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ec4f37f3aa4022aab6bd326-top-19-things-to-do-this-may-half-term-during-lockdown-by-age-group-6-1.jpeg 799w" sizes="100vw" width="799"></figure><h2>Fun for all the family</h2><p>1) Riverbanks Zoo in South Carolina is streaming Z-Learning live every weekday at 10 am, where you can meet and learn about animals! This is great for kids of any age, as we all love to see animals! So many of us would have normally gone to the zoo or to see some animals during our half terms, so this truly is the next best thing. Visit the zoo virtually <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/online-events/riverbanks-zoo-and-garden-live-z-learning-session">here</a>.</p><p>2) If you and your family loved the zoo tour at home, you should definitely try watching <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/online-events/watch-wildlife-live-streams-from-across-the-world">these livestream videos</a> of cameras put up to film wild animals! This amazing activity allows you to see a whole range of animals just acting naturally when they don't know that humans are watching. Who needs a safari when you can livestream using these cameras? (It will have to do for now anyway...)</p><p>3) Missing the theatre? Did you know that whilst we’re all housebound, theatres from all over the world are opening up their digital archives so that you can watch theatre shows, dance performances and opera from the comfort of your own home! And probably more than you'd be able to watch in a whole year of going out in London. Choose from paid-for streaming platforms or YouTube streams, there’s a huge amount to see. By visiting <a href="https://www.timeout.com/london/theatre/the-best-theatre-shows-to-stream-online-right-now">TimeOut London</a>, you'll find a list of places to stream and a guide on what to watch!</p><p>4) If you've already finished watching the amazing content available from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.timeout.com/london/news/the-royal-opera-house-is-streaming-opera-and-ballet-for-free-during-lockdown-051220">Royal Opera House</a> and English National Ballet, you can now watch <a href="https://www.timeout.com/london/news/four-of-matthew-bournes-amazing-ballets-are-now-available-to-stream-051320">Matthew Bourne’s ballet company</a> on their online streaming stage. For the first time ever four of the radical choreographer’s productions are available to watch online, including Bourne classics ‘Swan Lake’ (2019), ‘Romeo and Juliet’ (2019), ‘Cinderella’ (2017) and ‘The Car Man’ (2015). If you were keen to get out and watch a ballet with the family this summer, don't let lockdown stop you, as everything you could want is here - &nbsp;available for rent at £5.99 or to buy at £9.99! This is a fraction of the price of taking the little ones out.</p><p>5) To celebrate Children’s Day, a National Holiday in Japan, <a href="https://www.japanhouselondon.uk/whats-on/2020/design-your-own-kokeshi/">Japan House London</a> have launched a Design Your Own Kokeshi competition to get the kids' creative juices flowing this half term whilst learning about some traditional Japanese culture. Kokeshi are beautifully painted wooden dolls from North-East Japan that have been around for hundreds of years and are even thought to protect children from harm! Japan House London have provided some wonderful kokeshi templates that you can print off and design yourself, then share with them on social media at @japanhouseLDN for the chance to win your very own kokeshi doll all the way from Japan! Find out more about entering their #MyKokeshi competition by June 1st <a href="http://5) In celebration of International Children's Day this June 1st, Japan House London have launched a Design Your Own Kokeshi competition to get the kids' creative juices flowing this half term whilst learning about some traditional Japanese culture. Kokeshi are beautifully painted wooden dolls from North-East Japan that have been around for hundreds of years and are even thought to protect children from harm!">here</a>.</p><p>6) And finally, if you're looking for some science fun, try joining in with the <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/online-events/become-a-scientist-in-discovery-week">half-term Discovery Week</a> from the world-famous science centre - The Francis Crick Institute. From the 25th - 30th of May they’ll be providing amazing online scientific surprises that are sure to inspire you and your family with something new every day. From crazy crafting, to kitchen challenges and the chance to meet their brilliant scientists. They will also be providing lots of downloadable resources to keep you busy. In each day’s task, there will be a hidden clue for families to hunt down. And at the end of the week, using the clues to form the 'golden word' you could be in for a chance to win great prizes, including a £50 Amazon voucher. To join in, tune in every day at 11am, where the daily activities will begin on Instagram (@thefranciscrickinstitute) or their website!</p><p>To make things even easier, we've packaged all this and more and into one half term planner, making sure you've got something exciting lined up every day no matter how old your kids are. <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1anll-Xl42Fvp55IWe513gEW7mlsAdMq7">Download</a> yours below and click on each event to be taken straight to your perfect half term activity!</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/half_term_planner_for_kids_00947d9f01.jpg" alt="Half term planner."></figure>

Family enjoying watching a film together in their living room.

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Find something to do this half term with our what's on lockdown kids ideas. 

Top 20 Things To Do This May Half-Term During Lockdown By Age Group

<p><em>Image by the author.</em></p><p>Bring the Bard into your living room with these new workshops and storytelling sessions from <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/venue/shakespeares-globe" target="_blank">Shakespeare’s Globe</a>.</p><p>“The sickness doth infect the very life blood of our enterprise.” So says Hotspur in Henry IV, Part 1. While coronavirus has put paid to live plays at the Globe, it hasn’t sucked the energy from that particular enterprise. Telling Tales is a strand of online workshops and storytelling sessions aimed at bringing Shakespeare to a fresh audience.<br></p><p>Younger children (3-8) can participate in interactive workshops and watch puppetry shows. Alternatively, book onto a storytelling session (age 5-12) packed with the most memorable scenes from Shakespeare. Workshops for older children (12-18) will dig deeper and “focus on the characters, themes and language in these fabulous, famous plays”. Perfect if you’re studying the Bard, or if you’re just a fan of drama in all its forms. Such stuff as dreams are made of.&nbsp;</p><p>All sessions take place via Zoom and can be booked online. Unusually, the ticket price varies depending on your ability to pay.&nbsp;</p><div></div><p><br></p>

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Shakespeare’s Globe presents an online series of workshops and storytelling.

Shakespeare For Kids… Via Zoom

<p>Our mission at Kidadl is to spread smiles to families by serving up the best ideas for fun, entertainment and learning. That’s why we’ve teamed up with the wonderful UK charity <a href="https://spreadasmile.org/">Spread a Smile</a> to create a joyfully infectious Family Bingo Challenge! <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/10ugrXIzms6TloHgUYL5QTS5-cq-wr2b6/view?usp=sharing">Download</a> your own bingo card and see how many you can tick off as a family whilst raising money for seriously ill children and teenagers across the country. Not only will these activities bring your own family heaps of fun and happiness, plus the chance to win some seriously awesome prizes, you’ll also be spreading smiles to the children who need them most.</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1000px"><div><img src="https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5ec26716840913c794a0240f/5f6327f7b64133c2d038ed0d_spread%20a%20smile%20bingo.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="Spread a Smile bingo card."></div></figure><p>For this fun-packed Family Bingo Challenge with our friends at <a href="https://spreadasmile.org/">Spread a Smile,</a> we’re encouraging families to spread as many smiles as possible by taking on either the Gold, Silver or Bronze challenges from the bingo card below. The first ten families to complete the Gold Challenge - crossing off EVERY activity on the sheet - will receive a personal video message and mesmerising trick from one of Spread a Smile’s mind-blowing magicians! Follow the instructions on the card to set up a Just Giving fundraising page with Spread a Smile and see how many sponsors you can get to complete your chosen challenge as a family. The money you raise will support seriously ill children and teenagers in hospital this summer, where spreading smiles and generosity is so important.<br></p><p>Be sure to take plenty of photos and videos of your family in action and tag @kidadl and @spreadasmileuk on social media, using the hashtag #smilechallenge for us to share on! Scroll down to print out your own Family Challenge Bingo card and sponsorship form, and find top tips on completing your challenges below…<br></p><h2 data-header-link="Get Creative">Get Creative<br></h2><p><strong>Paint someone’s face </strong>- choose a lucky family member to have their face painted by the rest! Find our easy face painting ideas <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/quick-easy-face-paint-ideas-kids">here</a>, including playful puppies and the most beautiful butterflies...</p><p><strong>Draw a superhero</strong> - Follow these <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/create-your-own-superhero">steps </a>to create your very own family superhero! Why not play on your surname or think of the happiest title for their superhero name?</p><p><strong>Draw and hang a smiley face in your window</strong> - After acing those rainbow window designs, let’s spread some more smiles from our houses with a simple smiley face or by adapting one of these <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/window-decoration-art-projects-kids">window art projects</a>.</p><p><strong>Make a flower crown</strong> - whether you’re using real flowers or a craft alternative, find the prettiest flower crown designs <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/how-to-make-pretty-floral-crowns">here</a>!</p><p><strong>Make a collage out of magazine pictures</strong> - save those old magazines from going to waste and create a whole new work of art for your walls - these <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/craft-ideas-old-magazines">magazine collages</a> are a win-win!<br></p><h2 data-header-link="Get Active">Get Active<br></h2><p><strong>Learn a dance/tiktok </strong>- Parents, we might have to take the lead from the kids on this one! Recreate your favourite tiktok routine or follow one of these bumping <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/top-family-dance-videos-to-inspire-you">dance video tutorials</a>.</p><p><strong>Make an indoor obstacle course</strong> - Follow these awesome <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/indoor-obstacle-course">steps </a>to create your ultimate fun and safe obstacle course at home.</p><p><strong>Go on a family jog</strong> - Get those hearts pumping and follow our top tips <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/how-to-get-kids-interested-in-sport">here </a>to get the kids excited for a family running session.</p><p><strong>Hop on the spot 20 times</strong> - Simple and fun - get the whole family<a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/how-to-keep-active-with-kids-at-home"> jumping at home</a>! How many can you do?</p><p><strong>Cycle or scoot around your local park</strong> - Whip out the wheels and take in some fresh air in your local park all together - you could even make a day of it! Get prepped for a family ride <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/best-cycling-resources-for-your-next-family-ride">here</a>.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Do 20 star jumps</strong> - Put your Joe Wicks PE lessons into practice and challenge the whole family to get <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/no-equipment-needed-12-super-simple-ways-to-keep-active-with-kids-at-home">active at home</a>.&nbsp;</p><h2 data-header-link="Get Performing">Get Performing<br></h2><p><strong>Sing a song while skipping </strong>- This one’s a double challenge! See if you can keep up your favourite tune whilst jumping, and find more fun skipping tasks <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/low-no-contact-outdoor-games-for-kids">here</a>.</p><p><strong>Learn a magic trick</strong> - Choose one of these <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/easy-magic-tricks-to-keep-kids-spellbound">seven easy magic tricks</a> to impress your friends and neighbours with.</p><p><strong>Perform a song</strong> - Make up your own song or choose one of your favourites, then host a family <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/crazy-for-karaoke-top-ideas-for-hosting-your-own-kids-sing-along-at-home">karaoke night</a> at home!</p><p><strong>Tell your family your favourite joke</strong> - Read up on our favourite family jokes <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/fifty-hilarious-jokes-for-kids-to-keep-everyone-laughing-in-lockdown">here </a>to find the perfect belter.</p><p><strong>Write and perform a poem</strong> - Take a look at our <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/teach-kids-write-poetry">top tips</a> for inspiring kids to write poetry and get those imaginations flowing!<br></p><h2 data-header-link="Fun &amp; Games">Fun &amp; Games<br></h2><p><strong>Staring contest with another family member</strong> - Don’t... blink… Pair up or play winner-stays-on and try this timeless <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/indoor-mini-missions-to-keep-kids-busy">mini-mission</a> as a family!</p><p><strong>Dress up as another family member</strong> - This one will have the whole family in fits! Find more hilarious role reversal games <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/five-fun-role-reversal-games-to-play-with-your-kids">here</a>.</p><p><strong>Make your own board game</strong> - Choose one of these <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/easy-ways-to-make-your-own-board-games">five easy ways</a> to make your very own board game as a family, and treasure it forever!</p><p><strong>Smile for a whole minute</strong> - This is what it’s all about - keep those smiles up and try passing them on to others with these small but joyful <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/acts-of-kindness-to-keep-kids-busy">acts of kindness</a>.</p><p><strong>Make a family card game</strong> - Try one of these <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/make-own-fun-card-games">simple ideas</a> to make a whole new card game that will trump the rest!</p><p><strong>Take a family smiling selfie</strong> - Say cheese! Put on your biggest smiles and get snapping. Why not try putting your family selfies into a DIY photo book afterwards?<br></p><h2 data-header-link="Food Is Happiness…">Food Is Happiness…<br></h2><p><strong>Make your meal look like a smiley face</strong> - Turn your pizzas into smiling people and spread some joy through <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/food-art-ideas-kids">food art</a>!</p><p><strong>Bake Spread a Smile cupcakes </strong>- These simple <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/spread-a-smile-cupcakes">Spread a Smile cupcakes</a> will be sure to put a smile on everybody’s face.<br></p><p>Now it’s time to put these into action! Download your own bingo card below, decide on a fundraising target you’d like to reach as a family and choose which challenge you’re going to take on. Complete one activity from each line for The Bronze Smile Challenge, pick either blue, pink or orange activities to tick off for the Silver Smile Challenge, or be bold and go for the Gold Smile Challenge, aiming to complete all the activities on the board!&nbsp;</p><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1000px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f6327f7b64133c2d038ed0d-spread-a-smile-bingo.jpeg" loading="lazy" alt="spread a smile bingo." width="1000" height="500" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f6327f7b64133c2d038ed0d-spread-a-smile-bingo.jpeg 245w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f6327f7b64133c2d038ed0d-spread-a-smile-bingo.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f6327f7b64133c2d038ed0d-spread-a-smile-bingo.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f6327f7b64133c2d038ed0d-spread-a-smile-bingo.jpeg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div></figure><div></div><p><br></p><p>Get fundraising, kickstart your challenges as a family and, most importantly, let's spread some smiles together this summer.<br></p>

Close up of a the Family Challenge Bingo card

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Take on the Family Bingo Challenge with Kidadl and Spread a Smile UK this summer!

Join Our Family Challenge Bingo With Spread A Smile

<p>Walt Disney Studios has been belting out crowd-pleasing songs since 1937, when Snow White first dreamed of her prince and seven dwarves Heigh-Ho’d their way into our consciousness.</p><p>The best part of a century on, and Disney can lay claim to dozens of the most famous songs ever written. A philosopher might say that this is a cultural achievement to rival the pyramids, or the works of Shakespeare. But the rest of us just want to know… which song is the best?<br></p><p>Here, then, is the Kidadl pick of the 10 greatest Disney songs of all time. The top 3 were chosen by popular vote on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Kiddoofamilyfun/permalink/3528423843838870/">Facebook group</a>. Oh, and we're only permitting one song from any given movie.</p><h2 data-header-link="When You Wish Upon A Star (Pinocchio)">When You Wish Upon A Star (<em>Pinocchio</em>)</h2><p>Say “Disney song” to anyone of a certain (older) age, and they’ll likely start humming this. The classic tune from Pinocchio went on to become a leitmotif of Disney itself. To this day, most Disney films open with an instrumental version of <em>When You Wish Upon A Star</em>, played over a sweeping shot of a fairytale castle. The song was penned by Leigh Harline and Ned Washington. It won an Oscar for Best Original Song, and is still known to just about everyone some 80 years after its release. THAT is the definition of a timeless classic.</p><h2 data-header-link="Circle Of Life (Lion King)">Circle of Life (<em>Lion King</em>)</h2><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:700px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f243b9903dea2da4440e791-circle-of-life-lion-king.jpeg" width="700" height="380" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f243b9903dea2da4440e791-circle-of-life-lion-king.jpeg 245w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f243b9903dea2da4440e791-circle-of-life-lion-king.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f243b9903dea2da4440e791-circle-of-life-lion-king.jpeg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure><p>Everyone has their own favourite <em>Lion King</em> song, from a soundtrack of unusual consistency. <em>Can You Feel The Love Tonight</em> might have won the Academy Award and <em>Hakuna Matata</em> might be a hit with the kids, but this Elton John and Tim Rice collaboration is the great scene setter. With its famous opening chants (in Zulu), its rousing chorus and philosophical lyrics, we really do feel our place in the great, unfathomable mystery of life.&nbsp;</p><h2 data-header-link="Be Our Guest (Beauty And The Beast)">Be Our Guest (<em>Beauty and the Beast</em>)</h2><p>And now for something completely different. It’s comic, it’s cartoonish, it’s cabaret. Like many a Disney song, though, <em>Be Our Guest</em> also has bags of heart (just listen to that mournful accordion from the 1:40 mark). If nothing else, it’s certainly the greatest song ever to be tackled by a teapot, candelabra and carriage clock. Oh, and if you’ve never heard it before, check out the Simpson’s parody: “See my vest, see my vest, made with real gorilla chest…”.<br></p><h2 data-header-link="Part Of Your World (The Little Mermaid)">Part Of Your World (<em>The Little Mermaid</em>)</h2><p>Two years before they set to work scoring <em>Beauty and the Beast</em> (see above) composers Howard Ashman and Alan Menken were scooping up two Oscars for <em>The Little Mermaid</em>. <em>Under The Sea</em> won Best Original Song, but this slow-building power ballad feels like a stronger pick. Surprisingly, it was almost cut from the film after an audience of children became restless during a test screening. The song survived, and kids everywhere have now made this part of their world.</p><h2 data-header-link="Remember Me (Coco)">Remember Me (<em>Coco</em>)</h2><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1280px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f243bb5dcfb59138486bd70-remember-me-coco.jpeg" width="1280" height="720" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f243bb5dcfb59138486bd70-remember-me-coco.jpeg 245w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f243bb5dcfb59138486bd70-remember-me-coco.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f243bb5dcfb59138486bd70-remember-me-coco.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/large_5f243bb5dcfb59138486bd70-remember-me-coco.jpeg 1000w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f243bb5dcfb59138486bd70-remember-me-coco.jpeg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure><p>Further evidence that the studio knows how to do ‘poignant’ can be found in this recent Disney Pixar animation. <em>Remember Me </em>is a simple, gentle ballad, yet it’ll punch your organs of emotion so hard that you will never forget it. You will shed a tear every time you remember it. The song gets several outings in the course of the film, but the scene where Miguel duets with his great-grandma Coco must compete with the opening minutes of <em>Up</em> for the most tear-jerking scene in the whole of Disney. To nobody’s surprise, it won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2017. One of three songs in this list by husband-wife team of &nbsp;Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez.</p><h2 data-header-link="Into The Unknown (Frozen 2)">Into The Unknown (<em>Frozen 2</em>)</h2><p>Another one of those Disney songs that you only have to hear one time to internalise. Yes, it’s partly that haunting, four-note siren call, but the song’s delivery by Idina Menzel (Queen Elsa) is also a tour-de-force in screen singing. Capturing Elsa’s headstrong internal monologue, the song is often compared to <em>Let It Go</em> from the first film (see below). Indeed, both tunes were penned by the same writers, Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, who also gave us <em>Remember Me</em> from Coco. That kind of CV must put the Lopez couple up their with the great composers of all time. They certainly outrank Beethoven in our household.</p><h2 data-header-link="A Spoon Full Of Sugar (Mary Poppins)">A Spoon Full Of Sugar (<em>Mary Poppins</em>)</h2><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:600px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f243bcfd5067ba4a688a271-spoon-full-of-sugar.jpeg" width="600" height="477" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f243bcfd5067ba4a688a271-spoon-full-of-sugar.jpeg 196w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f243bcfd5067ba4a688a271-spoon-full-of-sugar.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f243bcfd5067ba4a688a271-spoon-full-of-sugar.jpeg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure><p>What to do about <em>Mary Poppins</em>? The 1964 movie has such a strong soundtrack -- arguably the greatest of all time -- that one could easily produce a ‘top 10’ just for that one film. My personal favourite would be <em>Feed The Birds</em> for its haunting melody and its glimpse of an impoverished London absent from the rest of the film, but those are hardly themes for a family friendly listicle. So instead, let’s plump for this upbeat number to help kids tidy their bedrooms. The whole premise of clicking your fingers to make things tidy is a subtle callback to Snow White’s whistle-while-you-work.&nbsp; (I also like the way that Mary manages to serenade an American robin during that song, a bird not indigenous to the UK. Further proof of her enchanted abilities, or a production gaffe… you decide.)</p><h2 data-header-link="Let It Go (Frozen)">Let It Go (<em>Frozen</em>)</h2><p>Ask a millennial to name a Disney song, and they’re more likely to say <em>Let It Go</em>, than When <em>You Wish Upon A Star</em>. The song is Disney’s greatest hit of recent times, and can be hummed by many who’ve never even seen the film. It’s a classic song of teenage rebellion, inner angst and the need to find one’s own path in life. That final, magnificent chorus and the closing line of contrariness are among the greatest musical moments of any genre. This is a song people will still be singing 100 years from now.</p><h2 data-header-link="The Bare Necessities (Jungle Book)">The Bare Necessities (<em>Jungle Book</em>)</h2><p>Speaking of which, this little number has already clocked up more than half a century, and is still going strong. Its jaunty rhythm, punning title (it’s sung by a bear) and whistleable tune all conspire to make it one of Disney’s greatest earworms. The other famous song from that film -- <em>I Want To Be Like You</em> -- is another contender, though if you watch it in the film it’s a little less coherent, and broken up over several sections.&nbsp;</p><h2 data-header-link="You’re Welcome (Moana)">You’re Welcome (<em>Moana</em>)</h2><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1200px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f243c2b388217de49748938-youre-welcome-moana.jpeg" width="1200" height="800" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f243c2b388217de49748938-youre-welcome-moana.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f243c2b388217de49748938-youre-welcome-moana.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f243c2b388217de49748938-youre-welcome-moana.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/large_5f243c2b388217de49748938-youre-welcome-moana.jpeg 1000w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f243c2b388217de49748938-youre-welcome-moana.jpeg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure><p>This song won our Facebook poll by a clear margin, and would also be my personal choice for the gold. It has everything. Clever lyrics, playful egotism, one helluva catchy tune and an outstanding (and unexpected) vocal performance by Duane “The Rock” Johnson. Your kids will want to hear it again and again, and for once, you’ll willingly consent. The Moana soundtrack has several other standout tracks. <em>How Far I’ll Go</em> was nominated for an Oscar and <em>Where You Are</em> is a grower that neatly sets the scene for the story. How much longer do we have to wait for Moana 2?</p><p><br></p>

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Disney still makes the best songs, even after 80 years.

Ranked: The Best Disney Songs Of All Time

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Music & Drama