Youth Music - BongoClub.org.uk

Music In Early Years Settings

Getting Started...

Music is a natural means of communication and provides an inclusive language, accessible to all, regardless of age, disability or culture. Using music in the early years supports childrens' all round development and helps to shape their skills in concentration, memory and listening. Music can be incorporated into settings throughout the day in a range of ways:

• Welcome song

Include a welcoming song as part of the process for welcoming children into the group or a "tidy up" song to encourage children as they tidy.

• Spontaneity

Use music spontaneously to enhance an experience, for example a song about the weather when out in the garden.

• Create a space for music

Create areas for music and sound exploration inside and out, for example hang old kitchen utensils such as pots from a rope and supply wooden spoons as beaters.

• Cross-curricular

Use music as part of cross-curricular experiences, for example counting songs to develop numeracy.

• Celebrate with music

Use music as part of celebrations and festivals, e.g. birthday songs and songs associated with particular festivals.

• Regularity

Try not to make music a one-off experience. Make time to create music with groups of children on a regular basis.

• Include everyone

Encourage all adults in the setting to sing and dance with the children whether they are trainees, classroom assistants or parents. Children will often take their musical experiences home with them, so encourage parents to take part in sing-a-longs and music making where they can.

For more ideas about music making in an early years setting, visit the Resources section of Bongo Club.

From MusicLeader.net, Youth Music's UK-wide training and professional development initiative for music leaders at every stage of their career.

Funding for music activities

If you're a practitioner looking for funding for music activities, your project could be eligible for funding from Youth Music's First Steps programme.

MusicLeader