Date

5-2017

Document Type

Capstone Project (Open Access)

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Department

Music & Performing Arts

First Advisor

Lanier Sammons

Abstract

Music is a subject that does not limit children to simply having fun, although “fun” is an essential component when trying to engage children in learning activities. Music further enhances a series of transferable skills and can help children with their learning experience in other subjects. By being part of a fun activity such as music, children are able to acquire affective, cognitive, and evaluative skills, which will further reinforce a variety of areas of their development. When engaged in an activity where recognition and expression of feelings are required, they learn that having feelings is perfectly normal and that expressing them is valuable. They also learn to be sensitive to other people’s feelings, to appreciate them, and to have a positive attitude towards their feelings. Also, their cognitive domain is augmented. Retaining information and analyzing it is a very important part of many musical activities. This is also a skill that is acquired when encouraging children to memorize patterns and be able to repeat them. Being able to compare and contrast and distinguish important information from unimportant information will play a huge component of their development. Lastly, the evaluative domain is also amplified. Proficient and advanced motor skills, coordination, and physical movement are emphasized when engaging in musical activities. These activities help children separate body movements and will consequently result in effective motor-skill development. All of these skills will be crucial in not only their childhood, but also in adulthood, and they will help them engage in more enjoyable lifestyles and more effective learning pathways.

Comments

The following curricula will allow children to participate in a variety of developmental activities that will help with specific criteria. These activities will require some kind of musical activity, whether it is affective, cognitive, or evaluative. Children will be required to either play an instrument, dance to music, or find creative ways to express, communicate, or respond to the activities musically. Although maracas are suggested in this activity, they can be replaced with other instruments or with other body movements such as claps, foot stomps, or finger snapping. Each activity includes age suggestions, goals, objectives, a list of required materials, directions and procedures, learning styles, and lastly, a series of assessment questions that may help identify the level each child is reaching. All of these activities can be modified depending on age groups and learning styles.

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