Music and Singing

Music and singing is a great resource to transform a learning environment by making the subject more enjoyable and engaging. It also promotes communication, has the ability to benefit all learners and provide opportunities for students to learn concepts in a new way.

Music in many ways is a form of maths where you count with tempo and rhythm. Children may not realise it but participating in music is practicing some of the basics of maths.

Counting music can be found online or at your local music/electronics store, library and bookstore.

How does this Activity promote learning and 21st Century Skills?

Communication and Comprehension

As mathematical concepts can be quite abstract, music can help break down the barriers which many children face.

Singing and chanting songs introduces patterns, while clapping along to rhythmic songs strengthens lessons in counting. Both of which can also stimulate memory and recall as learning something with a tune attached makes the information more memorable.

Collaboration and Inclusion

Music and in particular singing, has a greater effect on individuals when in a group setting as it encourages students to participate, showing and developing their own interest and abilities, especially if they have anxieties towards the topic or learning difficulties.

Music typically will also inspire movement which is another fantastic resource that assists students who learn better by being actively engaged (kinaesthetic learners).

Creativity and Curiosity

While traditional mathematics is simply taught from a book or worksheets, approaching subjects using varied techniques and resources that involve music, singing and movement can make it more enjoyable and increase achievement.

Once they grasp a certain concept they may use music or singing in other areas of their school life, or they may even make up their own music and lyrics to help them achieve more.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Music and singing can aid in the recall and memory of information, but it can also be a stimulus to help the children work out the next number due to the beat or the rhyme.

Music also has the ability to make you happier, which is beneficial for your emotional and mental wellbeing, but also very important when it comes to problem solving.

Challenge

Most music and singing activities centred around counting involve the concept of adding one number or taking one number away.

For example:

One, two, three, four, five, once I caught a fish alive
There were 5 in the bed
One two buckle my shoe

Once the children have mastered the music and singing side, they may want to also provide movement or an activity where they need to physically add or take items away along with the song. This will help them understand that a number represents a value.

More complex counting songs could also involve:

1. Skip counting

2. Counting to higher numbers

3. Making the tempo faster and/or slower

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