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Music and Movement
We do a lot
of singing and creative movement in our program. Singing and moving to music
give the children a chance to hear and appreciate different kinds of music,
express themselves through their movement, and practice new skills. The
children love our daily time for singing together, and it helps them learn to
cooperate in a group. Here are some of the things we do to encourage a love for
music and movement.
- We
listen to all different kinds of music.
- We play
instruments to make our own music.
- We give
the children colored streamers to use as they move to the music.
- We use
chants to help us get through the daily routines, such as clean-up time.
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Sometimes we take a tape recorder outside and play jazz or folk music, and the
children dance and act out songs.
What you can do at home
You don’t
have to play an instrument or sing on key to enjoy music with your child.
Taking a few minutes to sit together and listen to music can provide a welcome
break for both of you. Also, the music you share with your child doesn’t have
to be “kid’s music” only. It can be reggae, country, jazz, classical, rap or
any other music you like. Here are some ideas for enjoying music and movement
with your child.
- Children
love a song or chant about what they are doing at the moment, especially when
it uses their name.
- While
pushing your child on a swing, you might chant, “Swing high, swing low, this
is the way that {your child’s name} goes.”
- Songs
and finger plays help keep children occupied at challenging times, for
instance, during long car trips, while waiting in line, or when grocery
shopping.
- Songs
can ease your child into tasks like picking up toys, getting ready to go
outside, undressing for a bath, and so on. You might try making up a chant to
the tune of “Here We Go ‘round the Mulberry Bush” such as ,”water is filling
up the tub, up the tub, up the tub…” or “pick up a toy and put it on the
shelf, put it onteh shelf…”
- Musical
instruments can be made or improvised at home easily. You (or your child)
already may have discovered that cooking pots and lids make wonderful
instruments. Sharing music with your child is a wonderful way to build a
warm, loving relationship. It’s a gift that will last forever.
Adapted from “The Creative Curriculum” for
Preschool” ®
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