Clap! Shake! Play! Sing! Creating Musical Storytimes to Support Emergent Literacy - Description

"I can't get that song out of my head," a mother exclaims after storytime. Music is powerful. It can make you happy or sad. It can make you get up and dance or sit down and relax. It can get stuck in your head or make you sing out loud. Storytellers can use music to enhance their programs and provide an enriching experience for all. Music allows children to build the necessary early literacy skills for healthy development. In this course we will:

  • Review recent research and theory concerning emergent literacy
  • Be able to explain concept of early literacy
  • Be aware of developmental milestones
  • List 5 developmental skills children learn from experiencing music
  • Be able to develop age appropriate music and movement activities for ages 0-8
  • Be familiar with popular musical artists for children
  • Explore use of props with music
  • Be able to create a musical instrument with everyday items
  • Select musical books
  • Be able to perform a basic song in sign language

Whether you're a rock and roll star or only sing in the shower, this course will provide exciting activities that will have your toes tappin'.

Workshop Description: This all-day workshop will explore the benefits of incorporating music and literacy into a storytime program. Through group exercises we will share current musical experiences in storytime and teach our peers best practices. You will complete a musical instrument project and be able to perform a song in sign language. The instructor will provide sample plans, templates, cheat sheets, a webliography, as well as practical, useful tips that can be applied immediately.

Pre-workshop assignment: Read the following article, "Using Song Picture Books To Support Emergent Literacy" by Mary Renck Jalongo and Deborah McDonald Ribblett (findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3614/is_199710/ai_n8771454). Be prepared to discuss and choose a song picture book that fits into one of the mentioned categories and bring to class. Also, please bring an empty, clean yogurt cup and a paint stirring stick for one of the exercises.

Preliminary Course Outline

  • Development and Music
    • Music and Developmental Milestones
    • Music and Learning
    • Music and Literacy
    • Babies and Music
    • Sign Language
  • Music and Movement
    • Learning and Movement
    • Infant Massage
    • Yoga
    • Favorite Children’s Artists
  • Music and Props
    • Look At the Positive Side
    • Outcomes of a Good Music Program
    • Prop Experiences
  • Music and Books
    • Instruments
    • Musicality in the Language of Picture Books
    • Song Based Picture Books
    • Pre-workshop Assignment
    • Tips For Parents
    • Cultural Awareness

Workshop Instructor: Colleen Willis