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Group singing own songs

A group of three year olds are sitting with the practitioner. Each has a musical instrument and the practitioner has a guitar. They have all chosen to join in and the session started spontaneously. The practitioner encourages the children to sing their own songs. One boy (left hand of screen) is visiting with his mum before he starts the nursery.

Good for looking at

  • Music
  • Singing
  • Socialising
  • Rhythm
  • Transitions
  • Language development
  • Expressive art and design

Notice

  • How are the children learning? Which areas of development, engagement and characteristics of learning can you observe?
  • How do the adults support the children?
  • How does the environment and materials support the children’s learning?

Reflect

What are your thoughts about:

  • How the children are learning?
  • The children’s level of language development?
  • The value of this type of musical play for the children?
  • How are the adults supporting each of the children?

Respond

What would you do to:

  • Support the children’s interest in music and singing? As well as planned times, do you make sure you have time for spontaneous activities like singing and music making?
  • Encourage children to sing songs in their home language/s?
  • Extend their learning – e.g. supporting children to develop their own music and songs?
  • Support children and parents who are new to the setting?

What next:

  • Do you need to encourage more of this kind of musical play and learning for the children your setting? Do you have children with English as an additional language in your setting? Can you learn some songs in both their home language and in their additional language?