In the Classroom: The Sunshines
Much ado about music!
The Sunshine teachers watch our children for signs of budding interests. We began to notice that they were really into making sounds/music. They would use forks, spoons, sticks, and the pots, pans and shelves would become drums. So we decided to explore sounds, music and movement together.
Exposing young children to different types of music can help create more pathways between the cells in their brains. This effect increases even more when you link music to different activities such as dancing.
We sing nursery rhymes, which helps the Sunshines identify sound patterns as they learn through repetition. In addition to that, music helps them anticipate what is coming next in a poem or a song and they know how to put these patterns in a sequence.
By mastering these skills, they build the base of literacy and numeracy. Plus, music encourages a child’s inclination to move, developing fine and gross motor skills.
We have some talented parents in our class that were willing to share their instruments and talents with us. Jennifer (Hannah’s mom) came to play her violin during morning meeting. Emily (Zachary’s mom) played her guitar and Chris (Zachary’s dad) played his trombone and his tuba. Not only did they play some of the Sunshines favorite songs but they also allowed the Sunshines to take turns trying to play the instruments. It was so much fun!
We deepened our study by creating our own instruments. Tambourines were made using paper plates and rice. Dressed up yogurt containers became drums. The Sunshines marched around with their drums and tambourines while listening to one of their favorite songs ‘We are the dinosaurs.” More music and movement fun to come!