Big enough for adults to sit on each end, this tongue-drum is tuned F major pentatonic and requires large, fleece-topped beaters.

The sound it produces is low and resonant. Children tend to play it very physically as they sit on an end.

Co-regulation of pairs of children, turn-taking, self-regulation and conversational music making happen when this instrument is out.

A circular metal drum in D minor pentatonic tuning. Requires nylon beaters. It works well in the middle of a group of four with a beater each. It often becomes a transition object to imaginative play. Polar bear soup has been made in it. It has become a camp fire.

This instrument produces a silvery, dream-like sound. It calms and soothes and focusses fussy attention.

It is a metalophone in A minor pentatonic tuning. Requires nylon beaters

• Balls bounced in pots and pans
• Table tennis bats on pipes
• The underside of water trays
• Bottles filled with pasta
• Wooden spoons with box lids covered with textured surfaces

Make play a good experience by helping a child create the right environment with good-sounding instruments. These work well!