From the moment they can grasp and hold an object, babies love to bang, shake and throw things on the floor. Research shows they do this to learn about their bodies' capabilities, to explore their environment and to test the properties of physical objects. But most of all, they do this to experience the joy of creating sounds. What a wonderful feeling it is when they discover that they can make noise in so many ways! It's a feeling of wonder, delight and power.

"As [caregivers], our goal must be to respect and satisfy children's need to make noise, while gently guiding them toward expressing themselves musically," says Abigail Flesch Connors, an early childhood music specialist. "Rhythm instruments provide a uniquely effective medium to bridge this gap."

As most early childhood educators know, music is very important for young children. Music has been documented in playing a role in the development of many kinds of intelligences, and also offers children the opportunity to practice socializing, creativity and self-expression. Connors' new book, 101 Rhythm Instrument Activities for Young Children (Gryphon House, 2004), invites every child to participate in this musical learning process.

Connors has a number of well-founded reasons:

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