State and National Learning Standards for Early Childhood
Educational standards most often value the thinking mind over the musical mind. Reading readiness, math concepts, and critical thinking are highly prized in educational standards, yet do not begin to address the development of the musical mind. Singing and movement are generally valued as part of childhood, so most educational standards include something for music.
Activities for music learning can fit into additional educational standards for the thinking mind with a little bit of creativity. Early childhood educational standards value social development, community, and cooperation. What could be more demonstrative of such standards than a community of little artists engaged together in song and flowing movement? Communication is highly valued for social and emotional development, and so much of musical interaction is non-verbal communication with individuals as well as with a group. Music learning activities stimulate focused listening and self expression. Many children who struggle with language can communicate musically through rhythm, tonal, and movement. Early learning standards encourage the active exploration of the environment. Music learning activities provide for the active exploration of the “sound environment.” Music learning activities engage children in movement, enhancing physical development while awakening artistry in movement. We can accommodate various dimensions of state and national learning standards for early childhood with activities designed for music learning.
