This drawing music activity was adapted from Cool, Calm, and Connected by Dr. Martha Straus. It’s a fun, creative way to occupy wiggly kids at the table. You can give it a try at a restaurant while waiting for food; as a break during a meal to keep kids at the table longer; or between dinner and dessert!

If you enjoy this drawing music activity, you might also like the collaborative drawing game Pass the Page.

To play Drawing Music:

• Give each person a piece of paper and some colored pencils or crayons.
• Play a piece of music — preferably one that everyone enjoys!
• Challenge each person to draw along with the music, without lifting the crayon or pencil from the paper. The goal is to watch your own hands flow along with the music.
• When the music ends, stop drawing and share your creations. Notice how they’re similar and how they’re different!