Aim

To use music, singing, dancing, acting, playing of musical instruments, wide variety of props and visuals in our cross-curricula sessions to help children develop a number of important skills that are essential to the developmental process:

Phonemic Awareness & Phonics – When listening to and singing songs, children learn letter sounds, rhyming patterns and proper word usage.

Maths – Recognition of repetitive patterns in rhythm and melody of songs. Adding and subtracting in songs and counting by using instruments and clapping or patting to the beat of the music.

Memory Techniques – It is very easy to learn and remember important facts when the information is combined with a catchy tune.

Listening Skills – The fun and excitement of music naturally motivates children to listen to and follow directions/instructions.

Self Esteem – By singing and dancing to an upbeat song with positive messages, children cultivate good feelings about themselves. Lessons about the world – songs can transport children to another place or time.

Objectives

To cover the 6 areas of learning incorporating Brain Gym:

1. Personal, social and emotional development
2. Communication, language and literacy
3. Mathematical development
4. Knowledge and understanding of the world
5. Physical development
6. Creative development

• To help children interact and develop social skills ie thinking of others and sharing
• To help develop language and numeracy skills
• To introduce children to routine and discipline
• To help improve physical co-ordination and the use of gross and minor motor skills
• To help children gain confidence and independence
• To have a lot of fun whilst learning.

Sessions are structured in the same way each week so the children become comfortable and confident with the format and the songs ie Hello song to start, goodbye song etc.

Sessions are also themed and will concentrate on different skills ie one week we may have the animal or transport sounds which the children will have to match with pictures or shapes provided. Another week we may use props and role play. Whatever mode we use it is always fun, interactive and confidence building.

Carers are very much encouraged to participate at all times and should have as much fun as the children!