Children who successfully perform beat, rhythm, and pitch activities generally are stronger readers, have improved reasoning required for excellence in science and math, and often excel in sports.
Through music we develop confidence in self-expression and creative thinking. The spatial relationship thought process is enhanced and the brain’s appetite for learning is whet!
Appreciating music, whether listening, playing, or singing, is a treasure to be enjoyed at any age, in any culture, across all social lines, individually or shared with friends!
In Preschool Power Hour the teachers use a combination of the famous Musikgarten curriculum and songs and activities which have been loved by children for many years!
Components of Music Time include:
Greeting Song: This song affirms the child’s personhood in the beauty of the musical setting.The song also grants the opportunity to respond individually, which is critical for vocal development.
Bouncing Song: A full-body experience of a steady beat, enhancing the vestibular function of the ear which aids in movement, balance and speed, while stimulating the brain’s energy.
Body Awareness: Through song and rhythm we explore the movements of the body parts and this makes possible the emergence of more complex motor patterns.
Rocking Song: This is the motion which makes the connection between a feeling body, a listening ear, and a thinking mind all while experiencing a close security to a trusted parent.
Stationary Movement: This activity provides a stable position to explore what the upper body can do in contrasts of fast/slow, high/low etc. which is later extended into an understanding of musical concepts.
Traveling Movement: This is a very important part of the day to provide development in orientation in space, directionality. and conscious control of the body and awareness of space in relation to one’s own body.
Dancing Scarves: Scarves invite and enhance expressive movement during the listening of classic musical selections from various musical genres.
Rhythmic Instruments: By playing instruments themselves, children examine pitch, timbre, dynamics, rhythm, melody, and beat which all have broad implications for musicians!
Listening Times: The children are taught to hear and internalize one sound at a time. This aids in auditory discrimination which is so very important in learning to read.
Singing Games: A treasure of our culture, these games aid in auditory, muscular and kinesthetic memory in a pleasurable way. Children are invited to become part of a music-making community during each song!
Closing Song: Children now join in a musical closing sending them out of Power Hour with joy in their hearts and happiness on their faces!
The music portion lasts approximately 20 minutes and includes 6-7 of the above activities each class period.
Preschool Power Hour components:
- Bible Time
- Music Time
- Gym Time
- Art Time