“Music makes me feel confident and energised.” Year 2.
“I like listening to The Beatles.” Year 2.
“I enjoy dancing and singing to music” Year 2.
“I like doing things in groups.” Year 2.
Subject Leader – Mrs Gamson. Supported by – Mrs Robson.
Music is an indispensable part of the child-centred curriculum. Music contributes to the development of artistic awareness, self-expression, self growth, self-esteem and multicultural sensitivity and, therefore, to the development of the whole child.
An important aspect of music in the curriculum is the way it contributes to the personal, social, mental and physical development of the child. Co-ordination of mind and body is achieved through singing action songs, playing singing games, tapping rhythms, moving to music and playing in time whilst listening to others, following directions or reading from notation.
Speech development is fostered through working with vocal sounds, chanting, singing nursery rhymes and songs and learning to control breathing. Language development is enhanced by learning a wide variety of songs containing new words. These words are used and extended in responding to music, describing sounds heard and feelings sensed.
Musical activities help with the development of both long and short-term memory through activities such as echo-clapping and singing as well as rote learning songs, rhymes and games.
Opportunities to develop the imagination arise through listening to familiar and unfamiliar sounds and expressing feelings through words and movement.
Music also develops social skills through group performing or composing. It also provides life-long leadership skills and fosters verbal and non-verbal communication.
Music enhances self-esteem through having work valued by others and participating in group activities.
At Dimple Well Infant School all children are taught music by a specialist teacher. In Year 2 they have the opportunity to learn to play the recorder and the violin and be a member of the Education Ossett Community Trust choir.
Music is an integral part of the child-centred curriculum, not just because it enhances other areas of learning but because it teaches the child to recognise beauty and to be sensitive to and appreciate more fully the world in which he/she lives.