A connection between Music & Literacy

I was honored to be asked to read at my local school's Read Across America program on behalf of my music studio, First Roots Music Studio.   I offer classes for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and big kids that include a full-range of musical activities to develop the whole child.  I want to engage their entire body and mind into creating music.

I've be a music educator for over 10 years and I've focused on early childhood education for at least 7 of those years.  In my classes, I always bring in a wide variety of material, including literacy.

For young child, the benefits of singing and listening to music are so amazing.  By learning and hearing songs, they are being introduced to new vocabulary.  Music is a natural way for children to develop fluency while speaking or singing.  Rhythm is another thing children in music class are exposed to and it also helps them as they begin reading.  Singing, listening and interactive music activities also are wonderful way to develop emotion.  These are all components that can help children with reading.

I read the children a book called "Jenny Jenkins" which was written based on the song.  The story features a little girl who is asked what color she wants to wear.  Each time she is asked, she comes up with a silly rhyme about why she won't wear that color and says "but I will by a foldy-roldy-tildy-toldy-roll a Jenny Jenkins roll."  These silly repetitive words end each page which is nice for repetition.  By the end of the book, she does decide on the color.

After reading the story, a teacher held up the book for the children to tell me the colors.  Then I sang each verse with them.

We also had the opportunity to view the video I put together.

It was a great day reading and singing for Read Across America!

I am really blessed to be able to share music with so many families in my community.  Seeing the positive effects first hand is the best reward.  It helps me continue to look for creative ways to bring songs, stories and rhymes to life to give children the best musical start - which also helps them academically!

Ms Jenni shares the gift of music!

It's no secret.  I love to sing.  I love to make music.  I love to share that with everyone.

Two years ago we moved our family to a small town which was a very hard decision.  After having meetings at the school to prepare my children to be enrolled and ensure their IEP was followed, I found some of the most kind, dedicated and amazing staff members.  Each day when I picked my kids up they always took the time to tell me about their day and create a connection with my children.  These teachers would go out of their way to ensure their students were getting the best.

Once they learned that I am a music teacher, I started sharing my music with them and coming in for special events. 

Singing You Are My Sunshine!

One of the highlights was the wedding of Q&U.  What an interesting experience for children!  They not only learn some QU words that I even have trouble saying like Quadrilateral but they learned about weddings, speaking and having various parts.  I was honored last year to be asked to participate and be asked back to be part of the Quartet. 

Q&U Wedding Pictures:  Ms Jenni is 1/4 of the quartet.

I love being able to be a part of my own children's lives and the lives of their friends.  I enjoy sharing live music because of the joy it brings.  As I play and sing I see smiles, kids rockin' out and being in the moment of making music.  Over my years of focusing on early childhood music I have learned what engages them to actively participate.  Being able to create musical moments is the best!

I am so very thankful for the teachers allowing me to come in and make music! 

The one thing I can give you is the gift of music!