Teach students to identify African instruments by sound with this engaging listening game for elementary music.
This no-prep world music activity helps students recognize instruments like djembe, kalimba, and balafon through active listening, movement, and play—making it perfect for classrooms, centers, or homeschool music lessons.
Why This Works
Instead of just a game, this activity builds essential music literacy skills:
- Develops aural discrimination (hearing differences in timbre)
- Strengthens instrument recognition by sound
- Introduces students to world music and cultural context
- Keeps students actively engaged through play-based learning
This is an easy way to bring meaningful listening practice into your music curriculum—without extra prep.
What’s Included
- African Instruments BINGO boards
- Audio examples for each instrument
- Calling cards / teacher slides
- Clear teacher directions
- Answer key
How to Use
- Whole group listening game
- Music centers or small groups
- Sub plans (low-prep, easy to run)
- Homeschool music lessons
Students listen to each audio example, identify the instrument, and mark their board—building listening skills as they play.
Perfect For
- Elementary music classes
- Homeschool music curriculum
- World music units
- Instrument studies
- Listening and response activities
Curriculum Connection
This activity supports students as they move from:
hearing → identifying → understanding musical sound
It fits naturally into a structured music curriculum by strengthening listening skills before deeper study of instruments and ensembles.
Standards Alignment
Aligned with National Core Arts Standards for Music, including:
- Responding to music through listening and identification
- Connecting music to culture and context
- Developing perceptual and analytical skills
What Other Teachers Say:
“This is a great resource that enhanced my classroom and its needs! Thank you so much for posting it! It was definitely valuable!”
Tracie R.“Used with fourth grade during a world music unit. The kids really enjoyed the game. Very easy to set up!”
Kelsey F.This was SO much fun for my students!!! We really enjoyed the game and listening to the different sounds each instrument made. This was a total hit with my kiddos!!
Sherri M.
