Music class in kindergarten is all about discovery! Much of our time is spent singing songs, listening to a variety of music, and playing games that teach us about basic musical opposites (high vs. low, fast vs. slow, and loud vs. soft). Keeping and maintaining a steady beat is the focus of many of our favorite activities. We love to play percussion instruments like egg shakers, rhythm sticks, guiros, sandpaper blocks, tambourines, triangles, and drums! We use movement to express how music makes us feel and engage in simple circle and partner dances from around the world. In the spring, we will learn about the four families of instruments (Strings, Brass, Woodwind, and Percussion).
Activities to Foster Music Development in Your Child
-Diversify your playlist. Expose your child to many different types of music, like classical, kid-friendly pop, jazz, country, rock 'n roll, blues, etc.
-Sing to your child. Don't worry about singing in tune or sounding "good." Singing lullabies, childhood nursery rhymes, and other songs to your child will help develop aural listening skills and instill confidence in his/her own ability to sing.
-Ask your child to describe the music he/she is hearing. "Is this song fast or slow/loud or soft/happy-sounding or sad-sounding?" are great questions to ask your child while listening to music in your car or at a concert.
-Dance with your child. Even swaying to music can increase a child's awareness of steady beat and musical expression. Music is not just heard; it's also felt throughout the body.
-Attend a local concert. Richmond has many incredible musical groups, from the symphony orchestra to the men & women's chorus. Fort Lee also offers a variety of musical theater performances. Some of these concerts are offered at little or no cost.
-Sing to your child. Don't worry about singing in tune or sounding "good." Singing lullabies, childhood nursery rhymes, and other songs to your child will help develop aural listening skills and instill confidence in his/her own ability to sing.
-Ask your child to describe the music he/she is hearing. "Is this song fast or slow/loud or soft/happy-sounding or sad-sounding?" are great questions to ask your child while listening to music in your car or at a concert.
-Dance with your child. Even swaying to music can increase a child's awareness of steady beat and musical expression. Music is not just heard; it's also felt throughout the body.
-Attend a local concert. Richmond has many incredible musical groups, from the symphony orchestra to the men & women's chorus. Fort Lee also offers a variety of musical theater performances. Some of these concerts are offered at little or no cost.