This week I read a story with an elephant on the cover. As I usually do, I showed the class the cover of the book first and we talked about it. “Who knows what this animal on the cover is?” I asked. Quick as a wink, a girl shouted out, “An elevator!” Later in that […]
Tag Archives: preschool music
This article of mine appears in the new (August 2014) issue of New Jersey Family. Play Dates What’s the right age to begin music lessons? BY ABIGAIL CONNORS One of my most vivid childhood memories is running home after my weekly piano lesson so I could try out my newest piece on my home […]
This 2012 study indicates that making music in a group may promote empathy. Music of kindness: playing together strengthens empathy in children A year-long study on childrens’ music-making indicates that playing music in groups on a regular basis greatly improves a child’s ability to empathise with others. We believe music to be one of the […]
“Un Pulpito” by Charlotte Diamond available on iTunes “Un Pulpito” is Charlotte Diamond’s Spanish version of her wonderful song “Slippery Fish.” I think it’s even more fun than the English version! In “Un Pulpito,” children use their hands to act the parts of a sardine, an octopus (pulpito), a tuna fish, a shark, and a whale. The […]
The rabbit is one of those animals that are so difficult to fit into “Old McDonald” and other songs and games since we don’t know what noise it makes. This book explores that timeless question! The main reason I like this book for music class is the rabbit’s rhythm as he thumps his foot – I […]
Sometimes I play a game in which children take turns pretending to be a rooster while the rest of us pretend to be the other animals on the farm, who are sleeping through the night. We sing a lullaby and at the end of the song the “rooster” crows, “Cock-a-doodle-doo!” and wakes us all up. […]
Teaching and learning – we think they go hand in hand, but sometimes, oddly enough, they’re at odds with each other. Especially when it comes to early childhood. We know that young children learn through play, not through worksheets; with their whole bodies, not just their eyes and ears; and through concrete experiences, not discussions […]
This article originally appeared in TEMPO Magazine, the magazine of the New Jersey Music Educators Association, in October 2009. Where Does Music Come From?: Teaching the Elements of Music to Young Children Using Rhythm Instruments Rhythm instruments play a unique role in the development of young children’s musicality. When students are tapping on drums, shaking […]
“Put Your Hands Up In The Air” by Hap Palmer available on iTunes So many children’s recordings, especially those meant for movement, are overly complicated, or just plain go too fast for young children. Instead of a fun experience, the children just feel confused or frustrated. That’s why “Put Your Hands in the Air” is one of my favorites, particularly […]
We’re Going on a Picnic! by Pat Hutchins In this very cute, silly story, Chicken, Duck, and Goose are going on a picnic, but they can’t agree on a perfect spot for it. As they walk along searching forthat elusive “just right” location, they sing “We’re going on a picnic, we’re going on a picnic” (I […]
Music (and Science) For Young Children 