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A successful early childhood music and movement class is for the children, from the children and about the children. The terms child or children used throughout the following is not intended exclusively for children, but pertains to one who is childlike, regardless of age. We all have at one time been a child.

Let us view a music and movement class experience like a garden. A beautiful garden requires good soil, or a good foundation. Sun and water affirms positive growth in a garden. Lastly, a garden requires a gardener, guiding, cultivating, and nurturing the growth.

The Soil (foundation philosophy)

With the philosophy of being for, from and about the children, there is a liberty to discover, explore and enjoy the adventure of the class structure and the activities. It is not that we try to fit the children into a classroom or idea mold, but that the environment and activities fit its participants. Freedom to improvise is a key to attaining a positive and successful learning environment. Educators are encouraged to be open to the suggestions of the children, affirming them and acknowledging their partnership in the flow of the class. An enjoyable class should be like a run on sentence. It is always changing, flowing, continuous and spontaneous.

The Sun and Water (positive, affirming environment)

Just as a garden needs nurturing to grow, so also a music and movement classroom should be both a positive and nurturing environment. Research indicates that the best place for a child to learn is in a positive and care filled environment. Consistent and persistent positive reinforcement is a key for class control and flow. As children hear their name called, coupled with positive affirmation, it builds there confidence and increases their drive and desire to be a positive part of society. A music and movement class or experience gives the perfect opportunity to point out and affirm each individual in their creativity and the variety of ways in which one participates and contributes to the class.

The Educators Role as Gardener (the attitude or posture of the educator)

The biggest hurdle for the educators and participants is self-consciousness. Children watch and copy our actions, mannerisms, and attitudes, the good and the not so good. The key to overcoming this great hurdle of self-consciousness and feelings of inadequacy or foolishness is to abandon those thoughts that lead us to these uncomfortable feelings. For some, this may mean role playing somewhat, forgetting our own tendencies and embracing, "being like a child." This will come by participating fully in every activity, continually identifying with the children, and ignoring thoughts that go towards our selves. With freedom from feelings of inadequacy, a deeper enjoyment of the process will come and an increase in freedom and creativity for both the educator and participants will follow.

Learn more about this author, Patty-Jean St Hilaire.
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