Kids who grow up hearing music, singing songs, and moving to the beat are enjoying what experts call "a rich sensory environment." Children who have music and movement incorporated into their lives are being exposed to a wide variety of tastes, smells, textures, colors, and sounds.
Research shows that kids who are actively involved in music (who play it or sing it regularly):
-do better in reading and math when they start school
-are better able to focus and control their bodies
-play better with others and have higher self-esteem
By combining music and movement into our bilingual program, our students are acquiring the fore-mentioned benefits as well as opening the doors to a whole new world of language and communication skills. What easier way to practice our English then by singing and dancing?! The students of Infantil III-I never hesitate to sing and participate in our new favorite song, “Singing in the Rain.” With the help of Pedro, our music teacher, we are learning new vocabulary and get the great chance to be our silly selves. “Singing in the Rain” combines a large range of learning objectives including vocabulary, rhythm, sequencing, the functions of our body parts, and body control. By continuously encouraging the importance of self-expression and physical movement, and it’s hard to pass by an Infantil III-I classroom without hearing or seeing this song being preformed!
Learning physical control is an important developmental step that Infantil III-I will continue to work on throughout the year. As we have a great time dancing and playing, we are also in the process of building our concentration skills and self-control, which will undoubtedly benefit us in all future learning endeavors.