Creative Discovery Museum and Chattanooga Symphony & Opera (CSO) team-up to present the fourth season of PopTots, a series that uses musical performance and instruction to help toddlers develop cognitive and fine motor skills. The program will be presented in the Museum’s Auditorium on Saturday, February 25 at 3 p.m.

The CSO’s String Ensemble will perform a 30-minute interactive concert for toddlers and adults. The performance will then be followed by 30 minutes of hands-on music exploration led by Museum staff. Children and adults will have the opportunity to play more than 20 rhythm instruments including drums, clava, chimes, bells, and shaker eggs while learning about the educational ways music can improve a child’s speech, motor skills and creative thinking.

“The class is free flowing, but there is a purpose to the play,” said Liza Blair, Arts Manager for Creative Discovery Museum. “Music is a strong learning tool in early childhood development. It’s great for kids to experience music by getting their hands on instruments and playing for themselves. Everyone has their own rhythm that relates to how they move and walk. Working with music and adjusting their innate sense of rhythm to the rhythm of class helps children develop their cognitive and fine motor skills.”