A Letter to Parents on Music and Movement

What We Do and WHy?

We do alot of singing and creative movement in program. Singing and moving to music give the children a chance to move freely, practice new skills, and feel good about what their bodies can do. The children love our daily time for singing together, and it helps them develop the ability to cooperate in a group. Here are some of the things we do to encourage a love for music and movement.

• sometimes we take a tape recorder outside and play jazz or folk music, and the children dance and act out the songs
• We give the children colored scarves and paper streamers to use as they move to the music
• We play musical instruments, some of which are homemade
• We use chants to help us get through the daily routines, suc as clean up time.

• We have a comfortable listening center with a wide variety of tapes for children to listen to on their own.

What You Can Do at Home?

You don't have to be musical to enjoy music to your child. Taking a few minutes to sit together and listen to music can provide a welcome break for both of you. Also the music you share with your child doesn't have to be only "kid's music". It can be rap, reggae, country, jazz, classical or any music you like. Here are some ideas for enjoying music and movement with your child:

• Children love a song or chant about what they are doing at the moment, especially when it use their games. While pushing your child on a swing, you might chant, "Swing high, swing low, this is the way that Julie goes." The child likes this because it is about her and what she is doing, and rhytm mathces her movement.
• Songs and finger plays help keep children involved at tough times, such as during car or bus trips, while waiting in line, or while grocery shopping.
• Chanting or singing also helps at times when your child needs to switch gears and start picking up toys, getting ready to go out side, undressing for a bath, and so on. You might try a chant such as, "water is filling up the tub, up the tub, up the tub..." or "pickin up a toy and put it on the shelf.." (to the tune of "This Is The Way WeWash Our Clothes")
• Musical instruments can easily be made or improvised at home. You (or your child) may already have discovered that cooking pots and lids make wonderful instruments. We have directions for making a variety of musical instruments from household objects such as empty oatmeal containers, paper plates, and buttons.