SONGS AND

DANCES
Music is more than just a frill; it basic to
early childhood and is a natural expression of
children. It should not be limited to a specific
time, but should be spontaneous and
interrelated to other activities during the
school day. Music involves the whole child
and can contribute to children’s learning in
the following ways:
 Music develops listening skills and
auditory awareness.
 Music contributes to speech and
language development.
 Music involves both large motor
skills and small motor skills.
 Music encourages creative expression
and offers a release for feelings and
frustrations.
Music can teach basic concepts, such as colors, numbers,
and animal sounds, etc.
Music gives children opportunities for social interaction
and cooperation.
Music can be used to guide, calm and comfort children.
Music sets the tone for your classroom, adding joy and
pleasure
These are some basic music concepts that are fun
for children to learn and can increase their
understanding and enjoyment.

LISTENING – listening is more than just hearing.

Active listening involves paying attention to
sounds.
Encourage children to listen to sounds in the
classroom and outside. Have them close their eyes
and identify sounds that you can make around
the room.
Invite guests to your classroom to share a musical
talent. This might be a grandparent, parent,
friend, sibling or another child in your school.
Have a music show and tell where children bring
their favorite tapes or records for the class to
listen to.
Expose children to a wide variety of music such as
classical, country, jazz, and folk. Ask children if
they like or dislike the different and why.
Allow children to rest to music, paint to music, eat
lunch to music, or dance to music.
BEAT – Talk about the steady beat of a
clock, your heart, or the wipers on a car.
Clap, tap, snap, walk, sway, or swing
your arms to the beat of a music.
Give each child two paper plates, two blocks, or two
pencils and let them hit them together to the beat of the
music.
Clap to the beat of nursery rhymes and simple songs.
Have children march to the beat of a drum, then stop and
freeze when the drum beat stops.
Ask children to repeat a clapping pattern. Do this as a
group or individually.
ACTIVITIES
Group activities