Musical Statues is a fun, easy game that kids of all ages love! It’s perfect for parties, playdates, or just a fun afternoon at home.
You know what is the best part? Musical Statues is as simple as it sounds. All you need is some space, music, and a bit of excitement! It’s the perfect mix of play and learning!
In this game, kids dance while the music plays, then stop like statues when the music pauses. It’s simple but brings lots of smiles! And while kids are having a great time, they’re also learning some important skills.
Let’s talk in detail in this article. Be with me, and keep reading!
Benefits of Playing Musical Statues
Musical Statues is not only entertaining but also supports several areas of child development. Let me tell you in detail:
Listening Skills
To freeze at the right moment, children need to listen carefully for the music to stop. This strengthens their listening skills, which are essential in school and other activities.
Gross Motor Skills
Dancing works the large muscles in the arms, legs, and core. The game helps kids build coordination, balance, and control as they switch between dancing and freezing.
It also helps to improve agility, which is a vital skill in sports.
Spatial Awareness
While dancing, children learn to move without bumping into others.
They begin to understand how to control their bodies in shared spaces, which helps with overall coordination and awareness.
Self-Expression
Dancing lets kids express themselves freely. They can try different moves, styles, and rhythms, discovering new ways to show their personality and emotions through movement.
These benefits make Musical Statues a wonderful activity that combines fun with learning, supporting children’s physical, social, and mental growth!
I hope you understand how important this game is; now let me tell you what you need and how to play!
What You Need to Play Musical Statues
Musical Statues is easy to set up and doesn’t require much! Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Music Player: Any device that plays music will do, like a phone, Bluetooth speaker, or CD player.
- Space to Dance: Clear a safe area where kids have enough room to move around without bumping into each other.
- Optional: Prizes: Small prizes, like stickers or little toys, can make the game even more exciting! You can give these to the last few “statues” left standing, or to everyone who participates to keep it fun.
With just these simple items, you’re ready to play. Let me tell you the best way to play this game.
How to Play Musical Statues
Playing this game is simple! Here’s a step-by-step guide to get kids dancing and freezing like pros.
Starting the Game
Begin by gathering all the kids in your dancing space and explain the game rules. Let them know they’ll be dancing to the music and must “freeze” when it stops!
Play the Music and Dance
Turn on the music and encourage the kids to start dancing.
They can be as silly or creative as they like, jumping, twirling, or even trying new moves.
Stop the Music and Freeze
After a few moments, pause the music suddenly. When it stops, everyone must freeze immediately like a statue.
Anyone who moves, giggles, or loses their balance is “out” for that round.
Elimination Process
If a player moves after the music stops, they are “out” for the round. You can either have them sit out and cheer for others or allow them to keep playing but in a separate area (especially if they’re very young).
Continue starting and stopping the music until there’s only one dancer left, they’re the champion!
Repeat and Have Fun
Start a new round if the kids are ready, and keep the game going until everyone has had a chance to dance and freeze.
If you get bored, then let me give you some ideas that you can play with.
Variations of the Musical Statues Game
To keep things fresh and exciting, try these fun twists on the classic Musical Statues game.
Each variation adds a unique spin to bring more excitement!
Musical Chairs
In this classic variation, set up chairs in a circle or row. When the music stops, kids must quickly find a chair to sit on.
Each round, remove one chair, and the last person left with a chair is the winner. This version combines the fun of freezing with the excitement of racing for a spot!
Musical Bumps
Similar to Musical Statues, but with a twist: when the music stops, kids have to sit down quickly. The last child to sit down is out for the round.
This version encourages quick reflexes and adds a little more physical challenge as they control their movements.
Animal Actions
In this variation, kids don’t just dance, they pretend to be animals! The leader can call out an animal, and the kids dance in that style (e.g., hopping like frogs or galloping like horses).
When the music stops, they must freeze in their animal pose. This variation encourages creativity and helps develop body control as kids mimic different animals.
This variation is practical, and as a formal teacher, I try by myself. But you might get confused about which songs would be the best to play. No worries. Let me suggest some.
Musical Statues Songs
The right music can make Musical Statues even more exciting! Here are some song suggestions and tips for choosing tunes that will keep kids active and interested.
Suggested Playlists and Songs
For a lively game of Musical Statues, choose upbeat songs that get kids dancing. Here are some favorites:
Pop and Party Favorites
- “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
- “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors
- “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake
- “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift
Kids’ Classics
- “Baby Shark” by Pinkfong
- “The Hokey Pokey”
- “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes”
- “If You’re Happy and You Know It”
Disney Hits
- “Let It Go” from Frozen
- “You’re Welcome” from Moana
- “Under the Sea” from The Little Mermaid
- “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Encanto
Fun Freeze Dance Songs on YouTube
- “Disney+ Yoga Freeze Dance Brain Break”
- “Freeze Dance for Kids” (by GoNoodle)
- “The S.T.O.P. Song” by Patty Shukla
Tips for Choosing Appropriate Music
As these are too many music songs, let me tell you which should be the best!
Keep it Age-Appropriate
For younger kids, choose songs with positive lyrics and familiar tunes. Children’s music, Disney songs, or clean pop hits work great.
Vary the Tempo
Mixing fast and slower songs can add a fun challenge. Kids will love trying to keep up with fast beats or holding a pose through a slower song!
Use Clear Music Pauses
If possible, find or create a playlist where songs have clear pauses, which makes it easier for kids to know when to freeze.
Many freeze dance videos on platforms like YouTube offer pre-made playlists with music pauses built in.
Mix in Different Genres
Adding variety with genres like classical, jazz, or even fun instrumental tracks helps kids experience new styles of music.
It also introduces them to different rhythms and speeds, adding more excitement to the game.
With these song suggestions and tips, you’re ready to make Musical Statues an even more memorable experience for kids!
Conclusion
Musical Statues is a fun game that combines entertainment and learning. All you need is music and a space to dance. Kids can enjoy this game while improving their concentration, listening skills, coordination, and self-control.
With simple variations, fun playlists, and flexible rules, Musical Statues can be played over and over without getting boring.
I hope you get all the ideas about the Musical Statues game. Let me know if I missed something!
Chanda, Mona Lisa; Levitin, Daniel J. “The Neurochemistry of Music.” Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 2013; 17(12): 674–682. doi:10.1016/j.tics.2013.09.002.
“The Impact of Music Education on Students.” Arts Education Partnership, 2022. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
The Effect of Musical Play on the Social Skill Development
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I’m a former teacher (and mother of Two Childs) with a background in child development. Here to help you with play-based learning activities for kids. ( Check my Next startup Cledemy.Com)