Music and Dance (2008)

Member price: £7.80

Standard price: £9.75

Ref. A004

Music and dance can be a means of representing thoughts, ideas and experiences. This offers children a chance to develop their creativity and self‑expression. Music can be seen as a kind of pre‑language that directly activates fundamental firing patterns in young children’s brains and does so much more effectively than spoken language.

This booklet links to the key themes and principles of the EYFS and show how parents promote these as part of everyday family life. Throughout the booklet, aspects of learning are woven into stories of children at home and in their early years setting. The booklet will be a great source of guidance for everyone within the setting, and particularly useful for practitioners to share with parents. This booklet can be purchased at a discounted rate when purchased as part of the First and Foremost Set.

ISBN: 978 1 873743 66 9

Review

Carolyn Blackburn, Parent and Toddler Visitor, Worcestershire

Music and dance transcend all areas of learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage. This book demonstrates how young children can benefit from an appreciation of music right from their very first hours, whilst recognising that it is parents, as children’s first and most enduring educators, who will provide their earliest experiences. The introductory paragraph explains the importance and relevance of music and dance for both the under‑three age group, as well as children working towards the Early Years Foundation Stage. All music, from lullabies and nursery rhymes to Mozart and gospel music are important. This section also explains how dance aids in the development of co‑ordination and muscle development. Music and dance in the home is the focus of the following three chapters. The variety of ways in which children can express themselves is demonstrated, from banging kitchen objects and rattles, to imitating dance movements and pretending to be in a band. Children’s personal preferences, cultural backgrounds and intellectual and physical ability can all be reflected in music and dance activities and many age and stage activities and ideas are suggested in these chapters. The importance of parent and practitioner partnership is discussed in chapters five and six as well as ideas for staff in early years settings to build on a child’s individual experience, and the advice they can give to parents for them to further enrich their child’s learning. The final chapter links practice to theory and research, emphasising equality of opportunity and diversity. The links between music and dance and child development are outlined, including the link to language and social skills. Practitioners, parent and toddler staff and parents alike will enjoy using this book which has an easy to use format, and is ideal for practitioners to share with parents. The book is easy and fun to dip into and is a good source of age and stage related simple and practical ideas for involving young children in music and dance. It will support practitioners and parents to provide a rich multi‑sensory environment where all children can express their uniqueness.

If you would like to review any publications please email info@pre‑school.org.uk.