Music, Culture, and Early Childhood Development: Why is this information relevant to the
elementary classroom?
In this video I feel that the information that is relevant to the elementary classroom is because music can help children communicate. It is all about the lyrics and what the songs are saying. It can express how one might feel even.
Good comment, Katie....but take it a step further! Music can provide a way for students to break through social norms, to communicate and to find a common ground between fellow peers, to make easy transitions from one subject matter to the next. Some students have anxiety when transitions are made from class to class without structure. This provides a safe feeling for those students (usually students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder).
ReplyDeleteFor example:
The best use of music as a tool is through a "piggy back" song. This is a song which uses a tool we are all familiar with (Twinkle Twinkle, When the Saints Go Marching In, Yankee Doodle) and the words change to teach a classroom concept. For example: a line-up song...
To the Tune of Yankee Doodle:
My arms are resting by my sides
I'm standing straight and tall
My eyes are looking in front of me
I'm ready for the hall
REPEAT as needed....I also like to "march" them out of the room. It is a proactive way to get kids to follow directions rather than asking them over and over again to complete a task.
Dr. H