If you work with children everyday can be hectic. Not only do you have to care and nurture children you also have to prove you are developing a huge amount of skills in a short space of time. The pressures put on Early Years settings and are immense so it’s easy to think that you have no time to fit in extra activities like music. However I am a firm believer music (in particular singing) is of enormous benefit to children’s learning.
Maths and literacy are at the forefront of the UK education system and there is much emphasis on children being able to read and write much earlier than ever before. With this in mind creative subjects, like music, are often not used to their full potential and music is covered by singing songs about various topics. Singing and music can fulfil a whole range of learning outcomes, not to mention it is also enjoyable and engaging.
By introducing these three simple steps below you will find the children engage more, sing more, become more confident and happy learners and you also become more confident with your singing and leading music development.
Here’s how to fit music into your day …
1. Keep it simple
Choosing simple songs is important. Young children have a limited vocal range so choosing something with only two or three notes is easier for children to hear, internalise and sing. Simple songs are also easy and quick for adults to learn too. Songs such as Down the road have simple melodies and you can also change the words to suit what you are doing with the children, this helps develop creativity. For example you could sing: “Wash your hands”, “Time for lunch”, “Let’s tidy up” this will help you fit more singing into your day.
https://soundcloud.com/melanie-cossins/down-the-roadmp3
2. Singing Names
At the beginning of the day singing children’s names is a great way to get music into your day. Again singing on two notes only, children learn very quickly, building confidence in singing solo, learning to take turns and listen to each other. You can sing “hello” to anyone or anything!
https://soundcloud.com/melanie-cossins/hello-names-kdymp3/s-ANA5R
3. Rhymes are fantastic
Never forget the importance of rhymes in musical learning. They are full of rhythm patterns, phrasing and great for phonemic sounds. Jelly on a plate is simple, easy to remember and has great phonemic sounds. Rhymes can be used to explore words and sounds by using the same rhythm but changing the words. Grab a toy you have in your setting: a train….
The train is setting off
The train is setting off
Blow the whistle, blow the whistle
The train is setting off!
If you need less time planning try these three simple ideas and let me know how you get on!
Melanie Cossins is a specialist Early Years music teacher from Wakefield. She runs private classes for parents and children as well as sessions in nursery and pre-school settings. Melanie is also part of Think Cre8tive Group CIC (music in health) and believes music should be at the heart of children’s education.
More songs now available via YouTube
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