In our Montessori preschool classroom, we try to incorporate a variety of music and movement activities that help to build good listening skills, promote self expression, and increase a child’s self confidence. The children enjoy playing games like Sound Bingo and Name That Sound, and they enjoy working with Montessori materials including the Sound Cylinders and Hand Bells. We have a specialized music teacher who comes twice a week, and it is such a special time for the young students. They learn about rhythm, rhyme and melody, they have the opportunity to explore various rhythm instruments, they learn how to keep a steady beat, and they enjoy exploring different types of body percussion.
At the beginning of the school year, my three-year-old Montessori student Jordan was very quiet, and rarely participated in such activities. But with regular exposure in a fun and non-threatening environment, he now has the confidence to stand up in front of his peers and hum a melody, as well as participate in the various games that are played during circle time and music class.
