MUSIC & MOVEMENT

How Does Music and Movement Promote Development and Learning?  Social/emotional- different kinds of music evoke different feelings and actions (quiet, soothing music creates a calm environment; loud energetic music makes children get up and move their bodies).  Physical- children improve and develop motor skills. They develop small muscle groups by playing instruments, develop large muscle groups through dance and develop coordination and balance through gross motor actions.  Language and Literacy- children learn new concepts and vocabulary through singing songs (i.e. they learn different body parts by singing "wake up toes”).  Cognitive- children learn a variety of skills through song and dance (number concepts by hopping three times; spatial concepts as they tap big lines “under” their chair, etc).

Connecting Music and Movement With Goals and Objectives  “Wake Up Toes” Song: Have the children stand on one foot and hop 5 times during “wake up me” part of the song  “Tap Big Lines” Song: Have the children use their ears to listen to the words and follow along with their big lines  Gross Motor Area B. Play skills 1.3 Balances on one foot 3.1 Hops  Cognitive Area A. Concepts 3.1 Demonstrates understanding of 12 different spatial relations concepts Social Area B. Participation 3. Watches, listens, and participates during large group activities Example of activityExamples of related objectives

Create an Environment for Music and Movement  Location- Classrooms should have an open area for large group music and movement activities. Classrooms should also have a smaller area for children to explore and make music on their own.  Furnishings- Instruments should have a specific place where they are stored with a picture label; they should be accessible for children to use and explore.  Suggested Materials- There should be a variety of musical instruments and a variety of props and items (scarves, beanbags, etc) for children to explore and use during music and movement activities.

What Do Children Learn From Music and Movement?  Literacy- teaches vocabulary and language; phonological awareness; knowledge of print, comprehension skills; understanding of books and other text.  Mathematics- teaches number concepts; patterns and relationships; geometry, spatial sense; measurement skills.  Science- teaches physical science; earth and environments.  Socials Studies- teaches spaces and geography; people and the environment; people and the past; culture.  The Arts- teaches dance; music; drama.  Technology- teaches basic operations and concepts; awareness of technology.

The Teacher’s Role Observe and respond to individual children Observe how the children engage in music and movement Respond to each child Interact with the children Describe what the children are doing Ask open-ended questions Join in music and movement activities Encourage group singing and movement activities