Kindergarten
Music Notes….
My name is Mrs. Lynne Zimmermann, and I am your Kindergarten child’s music teacher at Horizon this year. Allow me to give you a little window into Kindergarten music…..
Goals in Kindergarten Music....
The casual observer of a Kindergarten music class would see a roomful of
children singing songs and playing games. Occasionally, they would be
writing or coloring a worksheet. What would not be immediately evident is
that each activity is chosen with the goal of allowing the children to
experience a musical concept and become comfortable with it. They do not
always become consciously aware of it at this level. Instead, Kindergarten
music lays the foundation for the concepts that the children will be learning in
the later grades.
During the first month or two the children get used to the routines of music class and become aware of and comfortable with their singing voices. As we sing, the children are learning proper vocal technique and the concept of active rather than passive participation in music. It’s important at this stage for the children to hear good vocal models and also to see that singing is something that everyone can engage in, including the people in their lives. Too often in our culture, singing has become something that only people on TV do. You can encourage your child’s participation in music class by making singing an everyday part of your life. Ask him or her to teach you some favorite songs. This will reinforce your child’s musical memory as well as show that you value music as an activity.
Another concept we have been working on is developing a sense of steady beat and rhythm. At this stage there can be a wide variety of ability, depending on the differing levels of physical coordination among the children. We do a lot of activities that reinforce this, such as marching, clapping, passing balls, etc. As you listen to music at home, encourage your student to do some physical activity in time to the music.
What's coming up.....
In the 2nd trimester we will continue to reinforce proper vocal technique and the ability to keep a steady beat, as well as lay the groundwork for future concepts such as discriminating between higher and lower pitches and pitch patterns. Studies have shown that an awareness of rhythm and the ability to discriminate between pitches are skills that support the process of learning to read.
I welcome your comments and questions. Please feel free to share with me any concerns you may have regarding your student. I can be reached at Horizon Elementary, 892-2225, ext. 3517. Leave a message and I will return your call. My email address at school is lzimmermann@plymouth.k12.wi.us.
Thank you,
Mrs. Lynne Zimmermann