MUSIC IN THE EARLY CHILDHOOD CLASSROOM
CHERYL BUTIMORE
Music and movement are important parts of young children’s growth and development, creating
a foundation for future learning and language development. Music education for young children
should involve a developmentally appropriate program of listening, singing, movement, and
instrument play. Music education also includes the incorporation of rhythm and tonal expression
in story telling and finger plays.
Kenneth K . Guilmartin, founder of Music Together and the Center for Music and Young
Children in Princeton says “ Music and movement are powerful learning mediums because they
involve so much of our senses, tactile feelings, large and small motor movements and our
emotions, all processed and coordinated simultaneously by our brain.” “And while there may be
controversy over whether music will make you “smarter”, there is no doubt that music and
movement together aid in child development.”
Brain research shows that human brain development requires stimulation. Few, if any activities
provide stimulation to as many nerves at once as music. Music facilitates fine and gross motor
skill development, language development, and encourages social and emotional growth. Music
and movement are an excellent resource to provide daily physical activities within your
curriculum. Whether dancing along with the Wiggles, Stepping out on the Town with Hap
Palmer or twisting to the “Oldies” children need to move their bodies every day to maintain a
healthy body.
Infants coo to their mother’s lullaby, clap and babble along with Itsy, Bitsy Spider, Twinkle
Little Star and the like. Young Toddlers love to sing and dance and participate in finger plays
and games, Preschool children have a ball hopping, jumping and dancing along with
instructional songs and Pre-K to School-age children love to teach you the latest dance craze and
sing along with their favorite songs.
“From good morning welcome to the end of your day,
Music and Movement will brighten your way.”
Today we are going to explore old and new ways to incorporate Music and Movement into your
Early Childhood Classroom. So dust of your dancing shoes, stretch your vocal cords, let go of
your inhibitions and have fun!
Finger Plays: Notice the rhythmic expression in each finger play.
Five Little Monkey’s, I had a Little Turtle, Two Little Dickey Birds,
The Three Bears, Listen to The Leaves, Splish’n & Splash’n
Favorite Children’s Songs/Chants and Games
Peanut Butter, A Tootie Ta!, Twinkle, Twinkle little star, Itsy, Bitsy Spider
Hot Potato, Can You Do What I Do? Clap Your Hands, Freeze Dance, Musical Hoops
List of props:
Hula-hoops, scarves, shakers, ribbon dancers, bean bags
*How to make a ribbon dancer: supplies shower curtain rings, strips of fabric duct tape
Attach strip of fabric to a shower curtain ring, tape over ring closure to avoid finger pinching.
List of instruments:
Drums, bells, triangles, shakers, tambourines, cymbals, rhythm sticks
Types of Music:
Fast, slow, soft, loud, classical, modern, jazz, country, lyrical
Resources:
www.musictogether.com
Music of Hap Palmer “Can A Cherry Pie Wave Good-bye?”(CD title)
Music Together “Sticks” CD
Music Together “String’s” CD
If you would like the words and actions to the songs, finger plays and chants we learned today,
please contact me at mjbutimore@yahoo.com