Instruments Every Toddler and Preschool Classroom Needs Today!
The quality of instruments in your classroom matters.
This is a small but important investment — the right tools last longer, sound better, and make music time more meaningful. We want to support you in making it count. Shop our recommended preschool classroom instruments below.
Shop Preschool Classroom Instruments Recommended by Minibop – Early Childhood Music Professionals
Egg Shakers
Easy for little hands, great for exploring steady beat, patterns, and musical dynamics.
Rhythm Sticks
Wooden sticks that build rhythm, coordination, and listening — perfect for call-and-response.
Hand Drums
Versatile for transitions, group focus, and storytelling; kids love being the “drum leader.”
Xylophones
Colorful bars make melodies easy to see & play. Helps kids connect sound, pitch and early math concepts.
Snare Drum
Gives children a chance to feel like a “real” musician while learning control, tempo, and ensemble skills.
Ankle Bells
Bright sound captures attention instantly — ideal for transitions, circle time songs, and sensory play.
Tambourines
High-energy instrument that adds joy and movement, while building motor skills and timing.
Kazoos
Playful wind instrument that helps children explore voice, pitch and practice breath control.
Triangle
Clear tone that teaches listening and timing, great for turn-taking. Also an amazing transition signal.
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Get 5 circle time lessons, the must-have classroom instruments, curated playlists, and a transitions toolkit — everything teachers need to bring intentional music into preschool – for free!
Every child Needs music
Did you know that 98% of families want music enrichment for their preschooler? It’s no wonder – music is a powerful tool for learning and growth!
It’s a brain-booster, a social-emotional and lifelong gift! Early exposure lays the foundation for lifelong learning and creativity.
At Minibop, we believe every child should experience the magic of music. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to bring joyful, research-backed music programs to preschools everywhere.
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Why Quality Instruments Matter in Preschool
The instruments you bring into your classroom aren’t just toys — they’re teaching tools. High-quality preschool instruments help children:
Develop motor skills and coordination through hands-on play
Learn rhythm, listening, and turn-taking in ways that shape early literacy and math skills
Stay engaged and regulated during circle time, transitions, and group activities
Build confidence and creativity by making real, satisfying sounds
When classrooms rely on low-quality instruments (or none at all), children miss out on these essential developmental benefits. A cracked shaker or a flimsy drum doesn’t just frustrate teachers — it limits how much kids can learn and enjoy.
That’s why investing in well-made, durable, classroom-ready instruments matters. They last longer, sound better, and create a more meaningful musical experience for every child.
We’re here to support you in making this investment count. Above, you’ll find our curated list of preschool classroom instruments — the must-haves that any teacher can use to bring music into circle time, transitions, and everyday learning.
Preschool Classroom Instruments: How and Why to Use Them
Below are the must-have instruments for every early learning classroom. Each one is easy to use, developmentally appropriate, and designed to make circle time and transitions smoother while supporting learning.
Rhythm Sticks
Simple wooden sticks that teach rhythm, coordination, and listening.
Toddlers (1–2 years): Tap together for cause-and-effect play, or follow along as the teacher taps slow vs. fast.
Preschoolers (3–5 years): Use in call-and-response games, practice counting beats, or tap while singing.
💡 Why it matters: Builds listening skills, pattern recognition, and motor coordination.
Hand Drums
Durable drums that give kids a satisfying sound and teachers a transition tool.
Toddlers: Free tapping or “stop and start” games for attention and imitation.
Preschoolers: Call-and-response, dynamic play (quiet/loud), or storytelling sound effects.
💡 Why it matters: Perfect for circle time energy and smooth transitions — three drum beats can signal “line up.”
Xylophones
Colorful bars introduce pitch, melody, and early music literacy.
Toddlers: Explore sound by striking different bars with mallets.
Preschoolers: Play simple melodies, match colors to notes, and practice turn-taking.
💡 Why it matters: Supports cognitive growth, pitch recognition, and early math (patterns, sequencing).
Shakers (Egg Shakers or Maracas)
Lightweight and easy for little hands.
Toddlers: Shake to match the teacher’s beat, or experiment with loud vs. soft.
Preschoolers: Use in rhythm games, counting activities, or paired with songs.
💡 Why it matters: Develops fine motor control, listening, and classroom engagement.
Triangles
Bright, clear sound that cuts through group play.
Toddlers: Tap gently to explore cause and effect.
Preschoolers: Use in rhythm ensembles, for “cue sounds,” or as a signal in circle games.
💡 Why it matters: Great for teaching listening, impulse control, and role rotation (“triangle leader of the day”).
Solo Snare Drum (Kid-Sized)
A step-up percussion instrument for older preschoolers.
Preschoolers (4–5 years): Explore rolls, accents, and rhythm patterns with guidance.
💡 Why it matters: Builds confidence, supports pre-band readiness, and channels energy productively.
Kazoos
A fun way to bring voice, breath, and melody into music time.
Toddlers: Experiment with humming (discovering their own voice).
Preschoolers: Play along to songs, practice pitch matching, or explore fast vs. slow.
💡 Why it matters: Encourages self-expression and connects music to language development.
Bringing It All Together
These instruments are more than “extras” — they are essential classroom tools that support literacy, math, social-emotional skills, and classroom management. With intentional use, every preschool teacher (musical or not) can make circle time engaging, transitions smoother, and learning deeper.
