Music Program

At Nutfield, music and movement are incorporated into every class on a daily basis. In addition to this, half-hour long music classes are held once a month for the 3-year-old preschool classes, and twice a month for the 4-year-old preschool classes.

The entire staff at Nutfield believes strongly in the benefits of music in a child's growth and development. Sue Dionne, our music teacher, has this to say about the value of teacher and parent support and involvement of the music program at Nutfield: 

“The great thing about having a teacher and a parent in our music circle is that when children see these adults participating in singing and playing instruments, they are learning by our participation that this is a valuable and worthwhile (not to mention fun!) activity. (Mrs. Flint even dances around the room while doing her chores during our music sessions!) Rest assured, children do not care one bit if we sing on key or not, they just love when we sing. When we don’t sing, we are communicating a very different message to our children. Singing is such a wonderful gift that we can easily give to all of our children and it can last a lifetime so sing along with us!”

 

20 Reasons Why We Do Music

  1. Music is very good for the brain; no other activity uses as much of the brain at the same time (per Frank Wilson, a California neurologist.) This means pathways are open and active from the left side to the right side of the brain strengthening connections within children’s growing brains. 
  2. Doing musical activities creates a “level playing field” for children. All children can successfully participate at their own ability level.
  3. The patterns, sequences, and rhythms of the language in songs strengthens emerging math and literacy skills. Following a beat with an instrument or with hand clapping reinforces one-to-one correspondence.
  4. Singing a variety of songs increases vocabulary and strengthens language skills.
  5. Children who stutter in regular speech interactions usually do not stutter when singing (speaking and singing involve different areas of the brain) so these children can experience better fluency when singing.
  6. Children often make up new words and actions when singing which helps develop their imaginations and creativity.
  7. The success children experience doing music helps build self esteem.
  8. Exposure to a variety of musical activities helps build musical competency.
  9. Doing music at a young age introduces children to a lifelong, rewarding, and enriching activity.
  10. Singing and moving to music helps children express and release a wide range of emotions in a safe and appropriate way.
  11. Large muscles and small muscles are strengthened.
  12. Participating in a group music session helps develop listening skills.
  13. Group music sessions promote cohesion and community within our classes. 
  14. Music reinforces and develops new and previously learned concepts.
  15. Singing helps transitions go more smoothly and enjoyably for everyone.
  16. Singing helps develop problem solving/thinking skills. (For example, What sound does a bat make and how can we move like a bat?)
  17. Participating in group sessions help children develop the pro-social skill of appreciating other children’s ideas.
  18. Doing music helps develop a child’s musical aptitude (what nature gave them) and level of musical achievement (what nurture gives them.)
  19. Singing a variety of songs expands children’s cultural awareness.
  20. Last but not least, MUSIC IS FUN! There is plenty of research which validates that our brains are most receptive to learning when an activity is fun!