Growing Through Music in the Coastal North
Improving early communication, language and literacy development is a key priority for the Government and research has shown that the early years are a crucial time for this to take place.
During the summer term we were delighted through our ‘Growing Through Music’ project to deliver 56 sessions in seven pre-school and toddler settings aimed at developing musical opportunities for adults and children with a focus on communication, language and positive social interaction skills. In addition, one of the biggest benefits of music and singing is the role it plays in developing children’s auditory memory as information which is attached to a tune then embeds more rapidly in a child’s mind.
Of all the musical activities we take to the groups the lycra, which provides an opportunity for adults and children to share an activity, proves to be the most popular every time with everyone eager to join in. By working co-operatively together the fabric can be moved and stretched to the music. One of the favourite lycra songs that we would like to share is:
Pigs in the pantry
(Introduce the animal, who is it? what sound does it make, bounce it on the lycra)
Pigs in the pantry oink, oink, oink
Pigs in the pantry oink, oink, oink
Pigs in the pantry oink, oink, oink
What shall we do Tom farmer.
(Introduce more animals, as many as you like, encourage the children decide where the animal should be in the house e.g. duck in the dustbin, sheep in the shower)
Cows in the kitchen moo, moo, moo
Horse in the flower bed neigh, neigh, neigh
Dogs in the loft woof, woof, woof
Cats in the bath meow, meow, meow
(Lots of movement, bouncing and stretching to shake the animals off the lycra)
Chase them away shoo, shoo, shoo
Chase them away shoo, shoo, shoo
Chase them away shoo, shoo, shoo
That’s what we’ll do Tom farmer
Both informal and written feedback is always very positive from all involved with lots of comments about how the sessions have helped children with their confidence and communication skills.
The sessions run over eight weeks which enables everyone to become familiar with the songs and resources. As children become familiar with routines they are enthusiastic on our arrival at the groups to take an active role in the sessions.
The project has been developed to also include musical creative activities and each group taking part is gifted a bag of musical resources and instruments.
Group leaders, volunteers and parents attending the sessions have also increased in confidence in regards to making music part of their everyday lives. They have learned new songs and ideas which they will continue to deliver to the groups.