Young Child 1

Week 12

This is one of my favorite weeks in Young Child! We started learning about the staff!

Reading and writing in music is called music notation. This week the children learned about the note c on the music staff. Note c on space 3!

We also talked a little bit about our glockenspiels and played a few songs on them. They will go home next week!

Young Child 3

Week 12

Because the brain’s memory system is connected to the emotional system, things that are learned in a joyful environment are more likely to be remembered than those that are experienced in a less stimulating one. I hope your child finds joy in participating in playing their own compositions,


“paddling” through the “water” with our whole notes as we sing “Canoe Song,”


and practicing our Native American hand movements with “Land of the Silver Birch.”

Our Time: MILK & COOKIES

Week 11

Studies suggest that “children who learn that they have the capacity and opportunity to exert control over their actions early in life may be more likely to learn to accept responsibility for their actions as they mature.” – Fostering Children’s Social Competence: The Teacher’s Role by Lilian G. Katz and Diane E. McClellan

Imagine That!: HELLO WEATHER, LET’S PLAY TOGETHER!

Week 11

This week in class, we went “ice-skating.” This kind of pretend play allows children to practice separating objects from their real-life uses, developing abstract thinking. Abstract thinking is required in order to understand symbolic representation, the first steps of learning to read and write.

We also heard three versions of the familiar song Jingle Bells. First, we sang along to a traditional arrangement; then we danced to a “jazzy” version; and last, we rocked to a soothing piano rendition. Take a few moments to listen to these again at home and talk with your child about the differences. Guiding your child to listen intentionally will help his/her aural skills as well as develop his/her use of vocabulary.

Also, your child brought home today a brand new book, Hurry Home, Little Kittens. Enjoy reading this together, singing the refrain and making lots of wind, rain and storm sounds!

Young Child 1

Week 11

The study of music is unique and fulfilling. Music uses a complex and theoretical system for notation and the “reading” of music scores while the appreciation of music requires an individual and inner understanding of the aesthetic qualities of sound. The human brain is, amazingly, able to process all of this at one time given early exposure to quality music experiences.

The study of music calls on the use of both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously. The right hemisphere generally tunes into the melody, tonality, and overall appearance of the sound while the left hemisphere attends to the notation, rhythm, and lyrics. Thus, the study of music is ideal in building communication lines in the human brain.

Young Child 3

Week 11

As we continue the study of Native American music, we are integrating the rhythmic concept of beat patterns. Drums and shakers, integral to Native American music, are ideal instruments for working with four-beat patterns. The children have now learned that four quarter notes equal four beats; two half notes equal four beats; one whole note equals four beats;
and that there are many other note combinations that equal four beats.

Young Child 3

Week 10:

This week’s class was a good mix of concept review (Note Name Review, rhythm review) and concept introduction.

Also, we performed a “Hop, Old Squirrel” 3-part ensemble today. What an accomplishment! Good ensemble playing requires a great deal of focus and concentration. This group of children has certainly matured in their ability to work together. It is a pleasure for me to see (and hear) what they are able to achieve!