Preschool Music and Movement Center Ideas

Preschool Music and Movement Center

The music space is so important for children. There has been a lot of research done to support that listening to, and creating music helps wire children's brains for future learning.  In the Music Space, children are perfecting their listening skills, developing gross motor, and fine motor skills, learning about other cultures, improving their balance, and rhythm.

Setting up this space

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This well lit music area belongs to Reader Cheryl V. of Cherie's Learning Tree

You'll want to set up a space in your that is safe for Music and Music. It's best to place this area in a noisy" section (usually near the Dramatic Play area, or far away from the Quiet Space/Reading Area). The space should be big enough to allow the children to move around without bumping into each other.

This fabulous music space belongs to Reader Rita R.

Place your Music Space in an area with enough room for the children to move around. In addition to the suggested items below, you can also add movement items such as streamers or scarves.

Small Spaces

Naomi G. of Play Matters Preschool included a variety of scarves near her music space

If you are short on space, consider a small basket of instruments, or dedicating a single shelf to musical items. You can also create your own music shakers that you can use in a variety of activities.

Reader Ruthie P.

Make music outside

Create an outdoor music space! Old pots and pans. and metal bowls can be attached to a vertical surface and children can use different types of spoons to create music.

Reader Laura H. of  Sweet Pea Dayhome

Types of music to include

Children enjoy a large variety of Music. They enjoy music that has repetition, is lively and music that tells a story.  You don't  have to limit yourself to children's music. Be sure to expose children to a variety of music styles (Classical, Jazz, etc.), and music from around the world.

You can find great deals on CD's at yard sales and thrift stores. If you have an Amazon Prime Membership be sure to take advantage of the free Music offered to prime members, or check out your library to see if they all you to check out digital music. Check out youtube, or other online music services.
There are many popular children's artists that you can include in your music collection such as: Ella Jenkins, Raffi, Sharon Lois & Brahm, and Music with Nancy.

Listen to music
throughout the day

You can have music playing when the children arrive, quiet music at nap time or unwind, up beat music for movement, and even bring a radio or music outside during outside play.

Use music to teach

Children can learn a variety concepts through music! They can learn letters (and the sounds they make), Colors, and the world around them. They can even learn about rest and relaxation through music!

Make it a point to notice everyday sounds and music with the children. There is music all around us from the high tech jingle of your washing machine, to the birds singing outside.

Use music to teach concepts such as slow & fast, and quiet & loud.

Items to add to your space:

• Listen to a variety of  Music : R&B, Classical, Bluegrass, Polka, Rock and Rolls, Jazz, and Latin American, Music from different cultures
• Instruments: Drums, Rhythm Sticks, and Shakers, tambourine, Triangles, Guitars, Keyboards, Maracas, bells
• Homemade Instruments
• Toys that make musical sounds
• CD Player
• Microphone
• Pillows (comfortable place for sitting)
• Soft Rug
• Xylophone
• Photos from Musical Events, of musicians, and instruments
• Silks, Scarves, and Dancing Ribbons
  

Create a place to perform

This fabulous performance & music space belongs to reader Diane O.

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