Music (introduction)
Most parents would agree that it is nearly impossible for preschoolers to sit still for long! Singing and moving to music provides an excellent opportunity for children to move about freely, practice new skills, and feel good about the bodies that God has given them. With this in mind, the Bright Beginnings music curriculum includes listening activities, singing, moving to music, and making and playing musical instruments. The Music appendix is divided into seven sections—Listening, Creative Movement, Musical Instruments, Traditional Favorites, Nursery Rhymes, Traditional Action Songs, and Christian Favorites. Although the lessons are numbered, this is for reference only. Activities can be done in any order and then "checked off" (in the check box) when completed. Basic supplies needed for this curriculum are listed at the bottom of this page; however, a complete list is included with each activity. For convenience, the words and actions to the songs are given with each lesson. All of the music chosen for this section was designed to reinforce Christian values, as well as bring joy to the hearts of both the child and his Creator. However, feel free to substitute personal or family favorites where desired. Remember, music is a gift from God, and the ultimate goal of this curriculum is to help your child learn to open the door of his heart to give Him praise!
HELPFUL HINTS
1. If you actively participate by clapping, singing and dancing with your child, he or she will feel more comfortable doing the same.
2. Children learn by repetition, so teach one song at a time and sing it often.
3. Repeat finger plays and action songs often enough for your child to get familiar with them.
4. Some rhymes/poems are included in this curriculum that do not necessarily have to be "sung"—focus on the rhythm, or make up your own tune.
5. Musical instruments can be used to "keep time" to a regular beat and improve fine motor skills—besides, kids love them!
6. To supplement your own collection, a variety of records, tapes, and CD’s can be found at your local library.
7. Repeat favorite songs frequently—avoid those that are difficult or not well liked.
BASIC MUSIC SUPPLIES
*Record, tape, or CD player
*Various
records, tapes, or CDs, including
1. music highlighting specific instruments
2. music with a rhythmic beat/marching music
3. slow and soothing music/relaxing music
4. lively music
5. different styles of music, including Christian, classical, folk, country,
jazz, rock and roll, bluegrass, symphony, and ragtime
Note: Various other items are required and listed with the individual activities. If you don’t have a particular item, feel free to make appropriate substitutions!
Music (lesson)
SUPPLIES: record, tape, or CD featuring music with specific instruments highlighted, for example, bells, drums, and violins
ACTIVITY:
1. Play music; point out various instruments.
2. Replay music; ask your child to listen for specific instruments. 2. Musical emotions
SUPPLIES: record, tape, or CD featuring various types of music (e.g., slow, rhythmic, and suspenseful)
ACTIVITY:
1. Have your child sit quietly; play selection of music for one to two minutes.
2. Ask your child to describe what the music made him or her think of/feel.
3. Repeat with a different type of music. 3. Rhythmic clapping
SUPPLIES: record, tape, or CD featuring music with a rhythmic beat
ACTIVITY:
1. Encourage your child to clap to the beat/rhythm of the music. 4. Musical opposites
SUPPLIES: record, tape, or CD featuring various types of music
ACTIVITY:
1. Play music that represents the following musical varieties: fast–slow high-pitched–low-pitched loud–soft
2. Help your child to distinguish between fast and slow, high and low pitched, and loud and soft. 5. Name that tune
SUPPLIES: none
ACTIVITY:
1. Hum a familiar tune.
2. Encourage your child to guess the tune you are humming.
3. Try it again with a different tune! 6. Classical conductor
SUPPLIES: cardboard tube or ruler; classical record, tape, or CD
ACTIVITY:
1. Play classical music.
2. Encourage your child to "conduct" a make-believe orchestra with the tube or ruler. 7. Relaxing to music
SUPPLIES: record, tape, or CD featuring slow, soothing music
ACTIVITY:
1. Instruct your child to lie on the couch or floor in a comfortable position.
2. Play some relaxing music, and verbally instruct your child to do the following:
*take several deep breaths (inhale/exhale)
*tighten and then relax left foot/right foot
*tighten and then relax left leg/right leg
*tighten and then relax stomach
*tighten and then relax left arm/right arm
*tighten and then relax left hand/right arm
*take several deep breaths (inhale/exhale) 8. Musical follow-the-leader
SUPPLIES: record, tape, or CD (your choice)
ACTIVITY:
1. Play music; ask your child to imitate the movements that you make to the music (e.g., bunny hop, reach arms to the sky, and toe touches).
