Cozy Winter Senses is the new theme from Experience Early Learning that we began last week. Each day we learned about a new family of instruments. On Day 1, children made paper drums at the art table, explored a hand drum and other hollow containers at the STEAM station. During Circle Time, we repeated patterns while listening to Dancing to Sights and Sounds (included in our curriculum kit.) During morning skill time, we practiced writing our names, then clapped out the syllables in the name of everyone in our group. Our Teacher's Guide provides us with a STEAM station idea for each day of the week. However, once I introduced the Drum Circle, the STEAM station for the day, the children visited the area all day long and made repeat visits. The next day, I moved the sign and photo to the mirror at the music center. I also added a few new hollow containers. Soon, we had children collaborating and taking turns being the Drum Leader. Next came the dancers using the scarves from the music center. When there weren't enough scarves for all dancers, they continued to dance without disagreements. The musicians seemed to enjoy making music for the dancers. Everyone moved in the same space, respecting each other in the process. It was beautiful. V., who loves to explore the science and nature center, proudly came to me with her creation. "Look, Mrs. Anderson! I made one of those things from the music area!" She placed our magnetic bowls on the magnet wands and clanged them together. "You made cymbals!" I told her. So very clever.
During our afternoon skill time, we played an instrument matching game. The children are getting very good at waiting for their turn, and some are learning how to use strategies as well. We read "Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb" by Al Perkins, a book from the monthly book list also included in our curriculum kit. The children were drawn to the repetitive and rhyming text, and I heard them quoting the book while they played. At Closing Circle, they asked me to read it again, which of course I did! A simple Drum Circle, led us to learn about culture and community, phonological awareness, classification, music, gross motor, investigation and inquiry, and reading comprehension. The children think they were merely having fun with instruments, and as their teacher, that makes me very happy. If you would like to learn about the skills embedded in the curriculum, please click here. You can read about the assessment system, here. I have blogged about other musical experiences, too! You can go here, to read them.
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AuthorSheila Anderson has over 25 years experience in the Early Childhood Field and still loves going to "school" everyday. Archives
January 2022
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