Copyright, 2000 by Short Forma PA
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION SUN AND RAIN STAIRS MAMA BIRD AND BABIES BIRDS, RABBITS, AND BEARS BUNNY RABBITS IN THE FOREST SWINGING GAME BINGO WHERE IS HONEY? ARE YOU SLEEPING? BELLS EAGLE ON THE MOUNTAIN THREE LITTLE PIGS BUTTERFLY AND FLOWERS THE HUNGRY HEDGEHOG MARCH, LULLABY AND DANCE SOLO AND CHORUS SINGERS HIDE-AND-SEEK IN THE FOREST GINGERBREAD BOY (KOLOBOK) PUZZLE MY MOTHER MUSIC SAMPLES ART MATERIALS
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INTRODUCTION
Music education is part of aesthetic education. Activities in this book will captivate children and awaken them to a love for music. These techniques result in children wanting to listen to all genres of music. Children will learn to differentiate between characteristics of music (calm, happy, sad, and tender music). In addition, they will be able to distinguish between various musical expressions such as pitch, volume and tempo. After teaching for 20 years, I have found that through musical games, children of all ages have been observant and acquired an interest in music. My students do not realize that they are learning. They are not aware that they are participating in a lesson. For them, my lessons are just fun and games. However, they are actually learning about specific musical terms. It was a pleasure for me to know that my young students woke their parents at 6:00 AM because they could not wait for my music lessons. It was also wonderful to know that they play games that they call “Tanya” at their homes. It is an important aspect in children’s development when they transfer their knowledge from a music lesson into real life situations. For example, when a child sits on a bus and he sings about it. The same applies to riding in the car, walking up the stairs or eating a pizza. Given the proper guidance and instructions, even children who lack auditory skills can improve their musical abilities. If you never give someone an opportunity to excel in a particular field, you will never know if that person can do well or perhaps ever acquire the skills of a genius. My experience has shown me that qualified, dedicated and knowledgeable teachers can bring out the musical best in all children. Children are our future. When they sing, it means that they are happy and it is every parent’s dream to see their children happy. No wonder doctors recommend musical therapy as a part of a strategy for healing people who do not feel well! Emotional comprehension of music supports and strengthens the well being of the child. Musical activities provide the child with multiple opportunities to express their feelings and emotions. These activities reduce stress and frustration and give children a valid outlet in which to express their feelings. I have used these games with children as young as 18 months old. They can be used in other populated education classrooms as well, with children of several different ages.
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I arrange chairs in the classroom to form a train. When the music stops, so does the train. I point to the tree on the flannel board and ask the children who they think lives there. I then play middle C to represent big bird and above middle C for baby birds. The children can play this game, which can also be used for movement activity. I show the children pictures and ask if they like to ride on the swing. I give them cards of the swings and play the game with them. I ask the children to sit on the bus and they sing the sounds that they hear on the bus. I ask the children if they are hungry and if they want pizza. "Let’s make this pizza." We sing the "Pizza Hut" song together and the children demonstrate. These are just a few examples of how to turn a few simple songs into a music education program that is both engaging and interactive. The children not only learn music, they learn listening skills, taking turns and following directions. It is complement any preschool program carriciulum and can be adapted for children with special needs. As you continue on this musical journey, I hope you and your students enjoy the songs as much as I have.
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The children show different feelings from different kinds of music. You can see they are happy when holding the sun for happy music and when they are holding the rain, they are sad. Happy / Sun
Mei Lin, Noah, and Matthew: "We are Happy!"
Sad / Rain
Alex and Justin: "We are sad."
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