Three Musical Apps for Inclusive Learning - Emergent Writing and Math Too!

Finger Paint with Sounds is a simple app inviting young children to “practice their first interactions with a touch screen.” There are small “paint pots” on the edges of the screen. You are asked if you want to paint with sounds, music, or no sound. When the you runs your finger across the screen noises or music plays along with a colorful doodle. There is not much more to it than that. This app is appropriate for young children because it supports cause and effect learning and becomes more appropriate when an adult engages with the child while they explore. Children can practice 

Finger Paint with Sounds Screenshot

Monster Chorus is FREE and fun! This game has great cause and effect application for young children. When you open the app a row of colorful little monsters sing a harmonized chorus waiting for little and big fingers to create music. Try it with preschoolers or toddlers. When you press each monster they open their mouths and sing. You can play well-known children’s songs by pressing the monsters that have a spotlight shining on them and receive applause at the end. The noise level is not overly alarming, and the volume is adjustable (use care with children experiencing noise sensitivities). Children and adults can have a fun time recording their voices and the monsters will sing your song to you. Children can work together or take turns creating songs. It is a great way to integrate music into the curriculum while promoting self-regulation, fine motor skills, and sensory input. Try it out and see how you can utilize this app to promote play-based interventions and inclusion.

Monster Chorus Screenshot

Color Band by Ting-Wei Liu - Color Band is a dynamic free app. The purpose of this app is to explore cause and effect, color, music and motion. There is a tutorial at the beginning showing how each color is a different instrument, and it shows how you can make your musical creations play by waving your hand in front of the iPad, using your finger or the pink host bunny can help. This app is appropriate across many ages and abilities. It is fun to experiment with the colors and instruments. You can create a picture, be methodical about your note placement or just scribble. It is interactive and can promote collaboration among children and adults; it could also be a creative way for children to practice emergent math and literacy skills. 

Color Band Screenshot