Music and Movement

1. Music and Movement Other languages and ways of expressing Other intelligences and ways of knowing

2. Types • Listening to music • Singing • Instrumentation • Dancing • Movement activities • Athletics • Exercise

3. Early exposure to music Many scientists consider music instinctive Music is a form of communication and comfort for and with the infant Early exposure, even in the womb, known to develop: mathematical abilities memory language and literacy

4. Music is one of the 8 intelligences of Howard Gardner the symbols, sounds, rhythms, creative expression

5. Music in Early Childhood • Affects and expresses moods and emotions • Improves listening, attentive and memory skills • Provides another form of self-expression and creativity • Helps language use/appreciation and literacy • Stimulates mathematical abilities • Introduces culture/cultures and aesthetics • Encourages socialization • Introduces concepts • Allows for right brained learning • Provides foundation for use of tools

6. Singing Can actually help stuttering Can also help depression

7. Children should be introduced to all types of music Quality music Diverse music from national and international cultures Not just for routines and academics Math – rhythms, sequences and brain stimulation Science – sounds, music of nature and instruments Social studies – culture, cultures and cooperation Language – appreciation, symbols and lyrics Art – creativity, instrument creation and mood

8. Teachers have to be better educated On the value of music On various ways to do music in the classroom On the technicalities of music On playing music, ideally

9. NAEYC has taken the position that music education should be considered “basic” education because of its importance

10. Music should be integrated throughout the curriculum With movement With drama With art With other particular activities At free play for mood and content But not continuously or loudly At group time In routines (including waiting) At naptime

11. Longer term social impact of early music exposure Constructive use of time Career possibilities Stress management Alternatives to negative behaviors

12. Stages of Music Development In infancy to early toddlerhood comfort, connection and communication In toddlerhood to preschool: musical babble In later preschool to school age: beginning of musical aptitude without sufficient exposure the aptitude can atrophy

13. Movement The body is the first musical instrument Sense of rhythm is developed first physically Music is felt by the body Movement to music aids in motor development Important for physical fitness Balances so much sitting in school Also aids in self-awareness, self-expression and self-comfort According to Piagetian theory would lead to language and cognitive development

14. Benefits of movement activities Motor coordination Body awareness Self-expression Spatial development Kinesthetic intelligence Speed and retention of learning Concentration/attention span Creativity Health Talents