We conclude our setting up for preschoolers music sessions by looking at family involvement and classroom environment. This article aims to give ideas on how to develop a holistic music session that meets both physical and emotional needs, while developing academic and social knowledge safely – and all working within the context of fabulous preschoolers!
While some preschoolers never stop talking, describing, asking, and even inventing jokes, others don’t say much at all, leaving parents and family unsure of what they do all day, what they like, and even what interests they may have as individuals. Getting parents involved can be done in different ways: attending special pre- or after-work sessions; holding mini, end-of-term interactive performances, or even sending home a weekly take-home sheet of activities with a personal observation. These ideas go a long way in both supporting the parent-child bond, as well as establishing yourself as a caring and invested educator.
Preschoolers are often inquisitive, daring and independent. This said, they still need the emotional support and security of family, and including parents in the “show” can work towards reducing any anxiety of being on show – both now and as adults in the future. You may like to begin the session by getting children to “teach” their adults a simple circle or partner dance, and sing a song together while playing instruments that you all pass around. If children are confident at performing a circle dance / game together, adults could watch first and then join in. Aim for non-competitive, everyone-wins situations so that every child stands out to their adult for their competence and growing independence!
The classroom set up is often the most challenging – finding or creating a clear space can be difficult in areas that alternate between play, reading, eating and sleeping! Clear space is a great way to boost creativity and imagination, especially within the creative arts, so it may be useful to plan for this as a part of every-day music.
Additional points to consider in creating a clear space include:
- Making the room safe – identifying and removing electrical and hazardous items
- Having shelves to support clear areas – adult-height for items needing adult supervision, and child-height for developing independence and self-control
- Designated activity centres – these are already considered best practice, but worth reinforcing, as children thrive on predictability and routine
- Allowing opportunities for barefoot play – we learn through our feet as much as our hands, so it is helpful to have clean, clear areas to go barefoot
- Designated coats/bags areas – particularly important for groups that children may need to travel to, as most nurseries will already have this in place.
Involving parents can be an effective way to support families in managing the often busy and overwhelmingly demanding life of parenthood. Creating an open and welcoming musical environment can actually be a powerful behaviour management technique, allowing children to explore freely and safely. The following songs could easily be used in any group:
Bow Wow Wow
Bow wow wow
Who’s dog art thou
Little Tommy Tucker’s dog
Bow wow wow
This is a lovely clapping song for preschoolers, also using this same formation from last month! The benefit of this arrangement is that all are involved and focussed – or the game doesn’t work! Start introducing it by all standing in a simple circle facing you (inwards) and having everyone copy your actions while they can see you. Once children are confident, develop into an inner and outer circle.
Bow wow wow clap-clap-clap
Who’s dog art thou knees-knees-knees
Little Tommy Tucker’s dog link arms (with imaginary partner) and turn in circle
Bow wow wow step to the left while clapping
Musically, this song develops the ascending major triad, familiarising children with an important musical pattern found in most music. Easy to learn and sing successfully!
Hickory Dickory Buttercup
Hickory dickory buttercup
How many fingers do I hold up (FOUR!)
FOUR you see and FOUR you say
Can you count to FOUR today: 1-2-3-4
This is a lovely, gentle, sitting-down song that helps with maths practice. Mixing up fast-paced or active songs with slow or gentle songs allows time for processing, thinking, and mental re-grouping. This is also a gentle way to encourage everyone to have a go without pointing out wrong answers. It also develops theoretical thinking based on objects (counting out numbers on fingers) as well as sequencing (counting up to the number).
Musically, this song develops the descending major triad, allowing children to start hearing and recognising patterns that they will find in many songs.
Ickle Ockle
Ickle Ockle bluebottle
Fishes in the sea
If you want a partner
Just choose me
This lovely little song can be used as a duck-duck-goose game. It could also be used to develop gross motor movement through skipping, and ending in children skipping to the nearest person – which may not always be their closest friends!
Skipping starts with hopping on each leg, and for those who are not able to skip yet, can even begin with holding on to nearby furniture or walls for balance initially. Hopping on left leg 8 times, then right leg 8 times. Hopping on left leg 4 times, then right leg 4 times. Then hopping on left leg twice, then right leg twice. Develop the double-hop into movement going forward, and there you are – skipping!
Musically this song uses the “siren” / ambulance call of the minor third, a very common tune that children use in games and calling each other. This is great place to start children singing successfully in tune!
Creating a supportive and inspiring environment often doesn’t require much more than a little thought and imagination. We couldn’t possibly know where our humble beginnings may lead each child. We know they will face challenges, as we have, and giving children the memory of finding solace, safety and freedom in music is a gift that will last throughout their lifetime.