KINDERMUSIK FOR THE YOUNG CHILD, SEMESTER 2

Week 7 (Lesson 22)

Dear Young Child 2 Parent:

As your child matures and grows, he is developing a stronger awareness of emotions and feelings. Typically, we hope our children develop the ability to express feelings in an appropriate manner. “Music can assist us in creating, identifying, and using emotional states to regulate our lives. Musicians use music to communicate, and a good performance or song will communicate emotions. … [Music is] a powerful language of expression, whether a student is playing or listening to it. In summary, music-making enhances the systems that allow us to perceive and respond appropriately to a world rich with emotions and complex social structures.” *

Today’s class included several activities in which the children were given the opportunity to talk about their feelings. You might continue at home by singing “If you’re happy and you know it…,” asking your child what makes him happy. Continue by singing “If you’re sad and you know it…” and talking about what might make him sad. Be sure to read Music at Home 22 for ideas of ways to create music that expresses feelings.

Lynda

*Arts with the Brain in Mind, by Eric Jensen, p.32.