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Introduction and Importance of Drama & Puppetry
Music and movement are essential parts of early childhood education, enriching overall development through active participation. The experiences incorporate rhythm, melody, and body movement, enhancing motor coordination, listening, and emotional expression (Gagen & Getchell, 2016). Participating in song, dance, and action games builds language and memory in children and social skills and a sense of belonging through group activities (AGDE, 2022). Music also builds creativity, self-esteem, and cultural awareness as children learn new sounds and movements. Movement activities also build the brain, linking physical activity with cognitive development (Piek et al., 2004). Thus, incorporating music and movement aids a number of areas of development and enriches children's learning environments.
Theories and Perspectives
Several theories highlight the significance of music and movement in the development of children. Piaget's cognitive theory views music and movement as active learning mechanisms, whereby children construct knowledge as they discover (Piaget, 1952). Vygotsky's sociocultural theory emphasises shared musical activities, whereby children learn by interacting socially and through scaffolding by teachers (Vygotsky, 1978). Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences recognizes musical and bodily-kinesthetic intelligences, which are developed through singing, dancing, and playing instruments (Gardner, 1993). Furthermore, the EYLF framework supports the inclusion of music and movement to enhance communication, wellbeing, and cultural identity (AGDE, 2022). Both viewpoints validate that the inclusion of music and movement promotes holistic development and engaging learning experiences.
Resources, Materials, and Digital Technologies
Teaching music and movement to children involves utilising many physical and virtual resources. Physical resources include percussion instruments (drums, maracas, tambourines), ribbons, scarves, shakers, and props like your pink muffler, large hair clip, and colorful costumes for the Taba Naba dance. Creating homemade shakers using bottles, rice, and pasta reinforces creativity and sustainability. Music players, Bluetooth speakers, and projectors facilitate group activity to occur. Digital technology through YouTube dance tutorials, music software, and rhythm games can introduce children to diverse sounds and movements. The use of tangible props and digital technologies makes active participation, creativity, and appreciation of cultures possible for all ages (Barrett, 2019).
pink bow clip
pink feather muffler
tambourines
empty plastic
bottle
rice
pasta
Learning Experiences:
0-2 Years:
"If You’re Happy and You Know It" with Shakers
2. Freeze Dance
2. Rhythm Stick Patterns
6-8 Years
Body Percussion Challenge
2. Create Your Own Dance Routine
IMG_0841.MOVvideo-output-F63B3182-C13A-4342-83F1-39F784A68F8A-1.MOVReflection and Evaluation
It was interactive and enjoyable to make and act out the Taba Naba dance and the If You're Happy and You Know It shaker song. I learned how music and movement can be helpful to build children's coordination, rhythm, and confidence, and also promote creativity. To enhance, I would think about adding more cultural songs and props to advance the learning process further.
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