ABSTRACT

A child’s early years are a time for continuous learning that provides an overall foundation for future learning. Teachers want to see students to succeed, which means giving them the best learning opportunities available. One way to provide this for students is through music education. Music ignites many different areas of child development. It is one of the most intense, multisensory, and physically concerning activities in which younger children and their caregivers can engage collectively. It allows students to be themselves by unleashing their creativity while also learning basic skills such as reading, writing, language, math and more. However, music does not only give children basic knowledge, music also connects the mind and body, allowing for enhanced social skills, healthier self-esteem, and strengthening of emotional and social skills. These musical developments can be achieved in many ways, but in order to keep children involved and excited, they have to be able to do it on their own using hands-on musical instruments. This grant will fund the purchase of tambourines, rhythm sticks, and drums for use by 16 children at Little Learner Preschool. Having this grant for musical instruments and other musical materials will meet children’s need for musical engagement and expand their knowledge while enjoying their learning experience.