For the young child, music and rhythm are as natural as breathing. We all know how rocking and crooning soothe and comfort young ones, how rattles and bells stimulate and excite. Whether the beat comes from Raffi or the lyrics from Ella Jenkins, children respond naturally to the emotions and movement stimulated by music. Developing a music program that preserves and encourages this spontaneity in music is the challenge for teachers. Music is not only an innate and enjoyable activity, but also an effective motivator and aid in the learning process.
Children often compose original chants as they engage in physical activity.
I'm using pink ones, I'm using pink ones. Making lots of circles, circles. They enjoy putting rhymes to music. Up, up, up in a row. As teachers we have used songs and poems to help children learn to count, memorize the alphabet, or recognize colors.