Musical Immersion

Over the past three weeks children have been supported in developing an appreciation of music. A sensitive practitioner drew on a wide range of musical styles to expose children to different beats, rhythms and tempos.
Children started by collaboratively building a stage, decorating and lighting it and thinking about how children could use it (deciding on a 'shoes off' policy eventually!) Children used scarves and dancing ribbons, which they made themselves to respond to the different music they heard.
Some children further developed their learning by accompanying the music and dance with the djembe drum: creating different beats and tempos.
A group of children who have shown considerable interest and skill in dance and musicality were introduced to the piano. They read the coloured notes from left to right and played Twinkle Twinkle independently, showing great pride in their achievements. One child recognised the musical notation found in a book and wanted to create her own marks in it. She was supported in understanding that notes also have letter names. 
Finally some quiet time in the afternoons was taken to focus on the forming of our new ukulele group. They were introduced to the instruments, learned how to hold them and began with their first chord. They have taken them home over the weekend to practice with their families as well. They will make their debut at our Annual Rachel Keeling Nursery School Christmas Carols Around the Campfire on Thursday 20 December at 2.30pm.