The Importance of Music Increasing opportunities for music in child care According to the NCAC child care programs should provide plenty of opportunities for children to spontaneously engage in music and environments should be rich in musical and rhythmic activities. The NCAC suggests that child care providers should mix stimulating music activities such as group time instrument playing, singing and circle games with relaxing experiences which encourage peaceful reflection and self expression such as classical music while painting and ambient music during yoga or tai chi classes. The NCAC makes the following suggestions for helping child care providers offer a wide range of musical experiences: Carers could sign directions to help children learn the service's procedures and routines Use everyday objects and materials for musical experiences, for example a bucket could be used as a drum or wooden blocks could be used as tapping sticks. Provide opportunities for children to listen to songs in other languages and watch people dance to a variety of different types of music. Provide opportunities for children to record and listen to their own musical compositions and singing. Establish a music centre including drums, tambourines, triangles, rhythm sticks, shakers, tone blocks, CDs and microphones and other objects and materials which can make musical sounds such as wooden spoons and pots. Sing rhymes to help children understand their bodies, feelings, relationships, the world and math/science concepts such as counting. Plan group singing time or engage in spontaneous one-to-one singing during children's experiences. Encourage older children to form bands or put on musical shows for their peers and adults. Make up new words for familiar songs and rhymes or to accompany favourite picture books. Create 'progressive relaxation journeys' where an adult tells a story using sounds and children use their listening skills to imagine the story. Use finger rhymes with babies and toddlers, especially during routines such as nappy changes, toileting and mealtimes, to reinforce concepts such as colours, shapes and parts of the body. Use music to create made up stories, for example use the sounds of the city and the beach to tell a story about a child travelling from their home in the city to the seaside for the day. Dance to music with different props and materials such as scarves and balloons. Record environmental sounds such as animals, weather, cars and trains for children to listen to, identify and discuss. Remember, in the child care environment, music does not need to be taught so much as encouraged. By surrounding children in a wide variety of appropriate musical experiences carers should be able to instill children with a joy for music which will undoubtedly enrich their life. References: brighthorizons.com ncac.gov.au Click here to share your ideas on CareforKids Social for incorporating music into your program and you automatically go into the draw to win some terrific CD's from Yo Gabba Gabba and The Wot Wot's courtesy of ABC Kids and Roadshow Entertainment.

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