“Simple Signing with Young Children” by Carol Garboden Murray I discovered this wonderful resource several years ago. Actually, I’ve always been interested in signing, and I’ve attended numerous workshops at early childhood conferences on using American Sign Language, or ASL, with young children. But this book is the most accessible and easy-to-use resource I’ve found. […]
Perros! Perros! Dogs! Dogs! by Ginger Foglesong Guy Here’s a story I’d absolutely love even if it didn’t teach several Spanish words in a natural, almost imperceptable, developmentally appropriate way – but it does. If you’re looking for a plot, you’re not going to find one, but most young children aren’t too picky about that. […]
Cinco de Mayo is coming up and I hope you’re all planning on celebrating! Of course, it’s great to share Spanish songs all year round, but you may be searching for easy, age- appropriate Spanish songs for your preschool class to celebrate the holiday. One of my favorite sources for early-childhood Spanish music is the […]
This article originally appeared in Creativity Portal in September 2010. How to Help Children Stay Creative Picasso famously stated, “All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” Anyone who lives or works with young children knows they truly are artists, buzzing with creativity, filled with wonder, curiosity, and […]
“Drip Drop” by Sarah Weeks It’s an absolutely fabulous, sunny early-spring day here in New Jersey, but In April, rain is never far away. If you’re planning a unit on rain, “Drip Drop” is a perfect story for you to bring some music (and fun) into your lesson plans. Poor Pipsqueak! It’s raining in […]
“Ducks Like Rain” by Raffi from the CD “Rise And Shine” available on iTunes It’s April, and lots of us are talking about (and experiencing!) rain with our preschoolers and kindergarteners. Another popular unit for this time of year is ducks. Here’s a fun song that brings both these topics together! This simple, short song […]
Here’s a cute activity for a rainy day, or for a unit about rain, from my book “The Musical Toddler.” I’m a Little Raindrop (tune: I’m a Little Teapot) Young children are curious about rain, and they enjoy the opportunity to pretend to be a raindrop! I’m a […]
I bet I know what you’re doing this week, early childhood professionals! You’re coloring eggs! Since I’m a music teacher, I’m not personally dealing with in the whole- ‘nother-dimension of messiness that dying eggs with preschoolers involves. Butthat doesn’t mean I don’t have a great tip for you! Save those egg cartons for music time! You’ll often […]
Thank you! Thanks to all the early childhood educators who viewed my webinar “If You’re Learning and You Know It: Music Activities to Promote Language, Math and More!” yesterday afternoon on edWeb.net. I had a lot of fun sharing some of my students’ favorite activities and information on the amazing power of music to […]
“Bear Wants More” by Karma Wilson Karma Wilson is one of those children’s book writers who’s wonderfully dependable. You know you can’t go wrong with a Karma Wilson book. “Bear Wants More” is no exception. This book is perfect for this time of year, when hibernating animals are just starting to re-enter the over-ground world. […]
Music (and Science) For Young Children 