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Especially for Nursery Leaders I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. Psalms 69:30 Music can play an important role in nursery. As you rotate through your activities, be sure to have a music/singing time. It is also fun to have a music/movement time, either separately or movement activities can be combined into your singing time. It is also recommended to sing a prayer song before saying a prayer on the snack. Below are some teaching tips: Singing Time Musical ability is not important. The children will appreciate and respond to your efforts. It is helpful to set up the space with carpet squares in a circle. Don’t worry if the children do not sing along. They are learning and enjoying the music even if they do not sing. Look them individually in the eye and sing songs that use their names. The most important goal of singing time is that they feel loved and known. Circle games (Ring Around the Rosie) are easiest if you do not try to hold hands. Let the children move freely around the carpet square circle. Try not to sing the songs too low. A young child’s pitch is naturally high. Steady beat is an important musical concept to master at this age. Studies show this skill builds brain development. Any movement or activities that use steady beat is encouraged. Don’t try to emphasize rhythm, that is not usually introduced until 2nd grade. Never force a child to participate. Everyone should feel safe and comfortable. It’s OK to pass over them if they don’t want a turn. If they feel safe and the singing time is fun, they will usually want to join in. In nursery, it is OK to sing simple childhood games that are found outside The Children's Songbook. See "Nursery Songs" for a good sampling of songs. There are good choices from the songbook, too, especially from the Activity Songs section.
Movement and Music Choose one of the tracks from the CD and do the directed activity with the children. It is fun to have scarves or ribbons to use with some of the activities. Similar types of movement games can be done to any classical music.
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