Listening for the school bell

Taking part in a group music activity is a great way for children to learn about teamwork. It is such a joy to be part of shared activity such as singing in a round or enjoying a jam session with instruments.

It is often in these creative moments that children begin to listen intently. Children intuitively follow dynamics or begin to join in with a repeated pattern. In doing so, school-ready skills of listening, team-work and turn-taking are developed and confidence is built.

At Little Notes, pre-school children  often start to develop expressive singing voices (a useful stepping-stone to reading and vital for self-confidence). The children begin to enjoy call and response, singing for individual puppets (with a myriad of personalities!) and take a more independent role in group singing. We have a lot of fun and children’s bold steps are always celebrated. We frequently glimpse empathy, as children explore possible voices for sad and hungry crocodiles or excited kangaroos!

A key aspect of Little Notes is expressing ourselves through musical instruments. Children enjoy building a relationship with their lead musician, who uses their instruments to convey so many different feelings. It’s no surprise that the time with hand-held percussion (more frequently pitched-percussion for our older participants) is a highlight for many. Once again, this is a useful slot for acquiring vital skills to help the children be ready for school. Much of this instrumental time is led with non-verbal cues, requiring excellent watching and listening skills. Children learn to take turns and discover how much fun it is to work together with a large group of children. It’s a chance to follow instructions and to tidy away when they might not want to (and we all know that’s a life-skill!).

Of course, all of these skills are very quietly developed, almost unnoticed. They are acquired in a place of enormous fun and, most importantly, full of love. Our classes are fun and welcoming: a lovely space to grow and enjoy family time too.