Leah's "Music for Children in the Classroom" Philosophy

The benefits of music and movement for very young children are:

• Mind: neural stimulation of music heightens children's mental skills
• Body: movement to rhythmic chant and music initiates body awareness and muscular coordination
• Spirit: self-expression boosts self-esteem

The benefits of music and movement for educators are:

• Connection: Allowing bodies to relax and mind pathways to open to receive instruction and allow learning to take place while enjoying music together
• Instruction: loving ways to teach and guide children - encouraging children in your care to work independently and as a comprehensive team when needed - encouraging cheerful compliance in students
• Protection: using music to calm young ones and connect with them in times of stress

Why music? There is a direct correlation between music and the brain. Research scientists have shown that young children experience neural stimulation via ordered patterns of rhythm and tone. In other words: music.

Why movement? Kids' bodies and minds respond favorably to exercise. It is further enhanced when cardio vascular (aerobic) activity accompanies a steady beat. Children get great exercise and participating with their parents encourages a life of continued physical activity.

It is no secret that music can move the soul of even the tiniest infant. By ensuring a "no performance required" policy in music instruction, little souls flourish when free from performance anxiety. In order to avoid a life of musical inhibition, children should be free to enjoy and experience music in their own way.

It is not groundbreaking news that music and movement benefit kids. But through Leah's Music Class AT SCHOOL™ , what preschool teachers and home schooling parents are discovering is that musical activities can avert potential behavior problems and provide solutions to sticky situations in everyday life.

Well-rounded music programs provide opportunities for chanting, singing, rhythm, experimenting with simple instruments and the introduction of varying musical styles. Those that have added relationship-building elements are even better. An exceptional program allows educators to use music and movement to direct, calm and educate children from cognitive pre-kindergarten skills to health and safety matters to the importance of friendship, manners and values.

By directing students' behavior in a positive, loving way while offering learning opportunities at the same time, the children learn through play and a special magic takes place.

Leah's Music Class AT SCHOOL™ helps teachers use music not only to teach concepts and skills to the children in their care, but also to help them healthily persuade children to comply with requests, whether individually or in groups. Music helps make activity transitions trouble free. Music offers solutions for quickly gaining children's attention, diverting bad moods and encouraging appropriate behavior without raising voices or punishing.

All children need to know that they are perfect just the way they are. Although their behavior may not always be what it could be, each child has tons of potential and the ability to correct their inappropriate behavior. Encouraging very young children to use their own form of self-expression through music and movement allows them to be free to participate in all areas of life with self-confidence. Allowing them to be themselves, to have the freedom to learn in their own way (some need to move while others prefer to sit still; some participate fully while others may seem aloof and distant) provides them with the capability to be creative beings. Using music as a teaching tool does more than enhance language development, body awareness, muscular coordination and rhythmic proficiency. It offers opportunities to build character, teach self-control, encourage individual interests, and more.

When considering how you interact with the children in your care, ask yourself if there is a better way to teach and direct with a loving, fun-filled approach. When contemplating how you will deliver today's message at preschool, consider that perhaps the subject matter is not always the bottom line. Remember that when educating children, if the delivery soothes and enlightens, as is the case when employing music, little minds will open wide to receive.

So be sure to allow fun and learning to co-mingle while you lead kids in a rousing chorus of the "Wash Your Hands" song while they wait in line to wash up before snack time. Consider using Leah's "Do Not Litter" finger play while children are waiting for story time to begin - using this fun musical activity to avoid a potential meltdown. Provide your students with several layers of learning while having fun as they go on a journey with Leah's "Helper Hunt" song or while they move like locomotives to the "When the Train Comes Along" song. Dare to view your classroom through music-colored glasses and see what a glowing place it is. Your young charges will love it and so will you!

All the best to you and the children in your life!

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