Kindergarten Music Notes….
Welcome to Kindergarten Music!
My name is Mrs. Lynne Zimmermann, and I am your Kindergarten child’s music teacher in the Plymouth district this year. Allow me to give you a little window into Kindergarten music…..
Goals in Kindergarten Music....
The casual observer of a Kindergarten music class would see a roomful of children singing songs and playing games. Occasionally, they would be writing or coloring a worksheet. What would not be immediately evident is that each activity is chosen with the goal of allowing the children to experience a musical concept and become comfortable with it. They do not always become consciously aware of it at this level. Instead, Kindergarten music lays the foundation for the concepts that the children will be learning in the later grades.
During the first month or two the children get used to the routines of music class and become aware of and comfortable with their singing voices. As we sing, the children are learning proper vocal technique and the concept of active rather than passive participation in music. It’s important at this stage for the children to hear good vocal models and also to see that singing is something that everyone can engage in, including the people in their lives. Too often in our culture, singing has become something that only people on TV do. You can encourage your child’s participation in music class by making singing an everyday part of your life. Ask him or her to teach you some favorite songs. This will reinforce your child’s musical memory as well as show that you value music as an activity.
An important concept we are working on is developing a sense of steady beat and rhythm. At this stage there can be a wide variety of abilities, depending on the differing levels of physical coordination among the children. We do a lot of activities that reinforce this, such as marching, clapping, passing balls, etc. As you listen to music at home, encourage your student to do some physical activity in time to the music.
I welcome your comments and questions. Please feel free to share with me any concerns you may have regarding your student. I can be reached most easily at Horizon Elementary, 892-2225, ext. 3517. Leave a message and I will return your call. My email address at school is [email protected].
Thank you,
Mrs. Lynne Zimmermann
Elementary Music Specialist
Plymouth School District