Infant: 6 mo. to
walking
This class is designed to expose even the
youngest children to the fundamentals of music. Parents:
· learn how to communicate
the beat to their child
· will model basic music
skills by singing
simple songs, participating in simple finger-plays, and repeating simple
rhythm patterns.
· are given suggestions and
encouragement for
incorporating music into the home.
“Active”: walking — 26 months
At this developmental level children like to
move around A LOT! This class accommodates their active bodies and their roving
attention span by not requiring long period of sitting. Over the semester all
children will leave the oral stage and learn proper use of the props,
instruments, and puppets. Simple dance and movements
exploring body labeling and isolating body movements are introduced. Scarves,
pom poms bowls/spoons and other fun props will keep children engaged while
giving them physical experience with the beat.
Toddler: 2
or 3 yr olds & 18-36 mo olds
At this developmental level children can follow the flow of the
class and are interested in mastering small fingerplays. Over the semester all children will begin
singing in the home ,and some will start singing in the class. We continue to work on the beat
as well as “start/stop” , “action
on cue”, and other musical skills. Simple dance movements continues, and
expressive dance, basic imagination dance, and circle dances are introduced.
Curriculum is adjusted between the 2/3 class and the 18-36 mo old class.
Adv Toddler: 2˝ - 3˝ year olds
At this developmental level children have a longer attention
span, are more verbal and can hand more complex fingerplays and dance
movements. They will have the
opportunity to sing a small solo each week.
Preschool:
3 to 6 yrs
At this developmental level children
· are singing in class and can
understand and enjoy even more complex song lyrics
· are ready to fully engage in “pretend” song
movement
· can wait their turn or allow suspense to build in more fun and
complex song/games.
· Are able to offer the
teacher ideas about what to do next, or what to pretend to be, in the context
of what we are learning
· Have mastered the beat and can start to play
simple rhythm patterns
All children will get the opportunity to hear
their own voice in solo exercises. We will continue to work on keeping the
beat, matching pitch, following sequential movement patterns, responding to
musical moods and cues, and stretching their imagination. All children will
begin labeling musical instruments and matching the label with the sound. The oldest children will often set the
direction for
imaginative play, and suggest with rhythm and movement ideas. Older children
will master rhythm patterns (“Say it—Play it”), which form the basis of
rhythmic self-expression.
