Maths can be tricky in the early years because working with numbers is such a conceptual topic – there is no object that is a “four”, for example. You cannot pick up a “four”. You cannot smell a “four”. And the younger the child, the more literal they are. However, once children have been introduced […]
Meeting Maths Early Learning Goals with Musical Songs and Games Read More »
Why has music survived as long as it has? For the longest time, science has asked this question – why is music still a part of our lives today? Since the beginning of time, people have recorded their everyday activities: from the Egyptian hieroglyphics to writings on parchments and scrolls. There is evidence that people
It can be tricky getting little ones to sleep at any time. No excuse is needed, no reason is necessary – they want to stay awake to stay near you. During uncertain times, when routines go out the window, it can be tricky to get ourselves as adults to settle, let alone our little ones.
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” George Santayana (1863-1952), philosopher There is great value in learning about history. It gives those who were there opportunities to reminisce, recognise and appreciate the value of their experience. And it allows those who were not there to learn about the consequences of actions
Singing is one of the most inclusive musical activities – all you need is your voice. Throughout time, singing has united people through anthems and war cries, become a way to express religious or romantic devotion, and process emotion, whether in celebration or mourning. Many nurseries use singing for as an activity as well as
We finish up our Royalty and Magic storytelling in music series this month by introducing the last of characters in the Magical Musical Kingdom, and their related rhythms. The follow-up activities are suggestions of ways that help to reinforce these introductory concepts of music, helping to establish this natural activity in the most natural way!
Storytelling in Music: Using Royalty and Magic Part 4 Read More »
We follow up our Royalty and Magic storytelling in music series this month by introducing the next set of characters in the Magical Musical Kingdom and their related rhythms. As children become used to musical ideas, they begin to see similar patterns and relationships in everyday life as well! And as always, all songs are
Storytelling in Music: Using Royalty and Magic Part 3 Read More »
We follow up our Royalty and Magic storytelling in music series this month by introducing the first few characters in the Magical Musical Kingdom, and their related rhythms (the King featured in the last article!). As adults, characters in stories represent concepts, but as children, these are “people” with personalities to whom they can relate,
Storytelling in Music: Using Royalty and Magic Part 2 Read More »
During uncertain times, especially where routines and norms have been changed, it is easy to become overwhelmed and overreact out of fear and uncertainty. The additional changes experienced in typical child development can add extra strain to families. So it is helpful to know what is normal, and what it not, especially at crucial milestones,
Skills-based or theme-based? Which method is more effective when sharing music in the early years? Should it matter? Why? Since 2006, I have done both – and even been criticised. For both. However, my students (of all ages!) responded best to theme-based sessions. And from what I have read, this is why: people love stories.
