Home Work: Music
This home work page will focus on musical activities that you can enjoy with your child at home!
*Using wooden spoons as rhythm sticks, have your child keep rhythm to a song. Have your child ‘tap’ (tap the sticks together), ‘hit’ (tap the ends of the sticks together—this takes concentration!), and then tap the sticks on the floor (carpet!) then cross their arms as they tap the floor. At school, this is called “down, cross, down, cross”.
*Using scarves, dance with your child! Refer to last month’s newsletter for directions that we follow at school.
*Instead of reading your child’s favorite bedtime story, try singing it! If you don’t feel comfortable making up a tune, just try the classic ‘nah-nah-nah-nah-nah-nah” (Did you know that this basic ‘tune’ shows up early in all cultures?)
*When giving directions to your child, try singing them to a tune instead of saying them. You’ll be surprised at the quick response—it really gets their attention! For example, instead of saying, “Please brush your teeth then get in bed”, try singing it to a made up tune! (like Old McDonald!)
*Have your child listen to some classical music with his/her eyes closed, then ask them what they are imagining as they listen. They might also love to sit with art materials while music is play and ‘draw’ along with the music, fast, slow, bold lines, thin lines, etc. Provide vocabulary: Is the music fast or slow? Is it loud or soft?
*Don’t worry about providing just preschool type music for your child. Children LOVE rock and roll (1950’s especially!), classic, blues, soul, country, all types of music! And there is so much wonderful ‘world music’ available, please consider including that as well!
*Using wooden spoons as rhythm sticks, have your child keep rhythm to a song. Have your child ‘tap’ (tap the sticks together), ‘hit’ (tap the ends of the sticks together—this takes concentration!), and then tap the sticks on the floor (carpet!) then cross their arms as they tap the floor. At school, this is called “down, cross, down, cross”.
*Using scarves, dance with your child! Refer to last month’s newsletter for directions that we follow at school.
*Instead of reading your child’s favorite bedtime story, try singing it! If you don’t feel comfortable making up a tune, just try the classic ‘nah-nah-nah-nah-nah-nah” (Did you know that this basic ‘tune’ shows up early in all cultures?)
*When giving directions to your child, try singing them to a tune instead of saying them. You’ll be surprised at the quick response—it really gets their attention! For example, instead of saying, “Please brush your teeth then get in bed”, try singing it to a made up tune! (like Old McDonald!)
*Have your child listen to some classical music with his/her eyes closed, then ask them what they are imagining as they listen. They might also love to sit with art materials while music is play and ‘draw’ along with the music, fast, slow, bold lines, thin lines, etc. Provide vocabulary: Is the music fast or slow? Is it loud or soft?
*Don’t worry about providing just preschool type music for your child. Children LOVE rock and roll (1950’s especially!), classic, blues, soul, country, all types of music! And there is so much wonderful ‘world music’ available, please consider including that as well!