Instruments; When it is developmentally appropriate

     Based on introducing instruments to students depends upon how much they are developmentally ready. Recorders should be introduced when students are able/capable of placing their fingers in the correct spots to cover the holes and have enough capacity to blow into the recorder. You might introduce the recorder to a group of students as old as fourth grade, sometimes third grade might work, but other times that might be too early. The xylophone could be introduced as early as a toddler because they have toy xylophones and i know that my second cousin bangs on it. But to fully introduce it for them to learn more about it could be in Kindergarten as the earliest or first grade this could help with a beat or even learning patterns/repetition in music. The more students move on in grades is when it may make it easier for them with the xylophone because they are able to coordinate well with their hand/wrists and be able to see what they are doing. Rhythm sticks could be introduced earlier on maybe pre-school, or kindergarten. This also helps with patterns the same as xylophones can the reason behind these being used for the younger grades is because of the motor skills they have/don't have. The finger cymbals can also be brought into kindergarten because they are small enough for the students to hold onto. Kazoos could be brought into teaching with music at any age you would like. Once students begin to get into the higher grades they will be able to do more with them too. Based on all of these instruments it's important to know the age of your students and if they will successfully be able to use them.