Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
2007)
DOI: 10.1007/s10643-007-0167-6
Emergent literacy may be nurtured in an early childhood environment that integrates literacy
experiences with meaningful music activities in which young children develop skills necessary
for success in both areas simultaneously. Early childhood educators can develop the knowl-
edge and skills needed to bring music into the classroom as an engaging and stimulating
element of literacy education.
KEY WORDS: children!s books and music; early childhood and music integration; early childhood
music; literacy and music; music and emergent literacy.
WHY IS THE MUSIC AND LITERACY nations of musical activities (Ibid, 1978, p. 324)
RELATIONSHIP IMPORTANT? (Figure 1).
Lesley Morrow, a reading specialist, also iden-
Mavis Lloyd, music specialist, stated in an article
tified the parallel skill of left to right reading orien-
entitled Teach Music to Aid Beginning Readers that
tation in music and reading. In addition, Morrow
reading teachers have long embraced music as an aid
stated that participation in song activity helps in
to emergent readers. She drew many parallels be-
vocabulary development (Morrow, 1996). Hansen,
tween reading music and learning to read. Both
Bernstorf, and Stuber drew parallels between music
depend upon being able to perceive likenesses and
and literacy code breaking skills in their book entitled
differences in sounds and in the shapes of symbols
The Music and Literacy Connection. Some of those
[auditory and visual discrimination]. Music is read
parallels include the following:
from left to right and top to bottom, the same as
reading words [eye-motor coordination] (Lloyd, 1. Phonological awareness: Sensitivity to all units of sound
(generating and recognizing rhyme, syllables, beginning
1978, p. 323).
and ending sounds, etc.) as compared to sensitivity to all
Other parallels between these two language areas elements of musical sound (recognizing repeated or imi-
drawn by Lloyd included but are not limited to the tated sound patterns, sequences, stylistic nuances, etc);
following: (1) Visual sequential memory: ability to 2. Phonemic awareness: Identifying and manipulating the
remember sounds and words long enough to obtain smallest sound units in written symbols (e.g. individual
meaning comparable to the ability to remember tunes letters in stop) as compared to emphasizing the smallest
units of musical sound through musical notation (e.g.
and song words in order to play and sing them; and individual pitches within a musical phrase);
(2) Language reception: ability to listen to and 3. Fluency: Ability to express ideas clearly, verbally or in
understand spoken language comparable to the writing as compared to the ability to perform music
ability to listen to and understand songs and expla- smoothly, easily, and readily (Hansen, Bernstorf, & Stu-
ber, 2004, pp. 89).
Based upon these thoughts of specialists in the
Fine Arts, Winston-Salem State University, 112 Fine Arts Build- fields of music and literacy, the integration of music
ing, Winston-Salem, NC 27110, USA.
Correspondence should be directed to Donna Gwyn Wiggins, Fine
into literacy learning settings may aid in language
Arts, Winston-Salem State University, 112 Fine Arts Building, development while promoting musical development
Winston-Salem, NC 27110, USA.e-mail: wigginsd@wssu.edu at the same time.
55
1082-3301/07/0800-0055/0 ! 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc.
56 Wiggins
Fig. 4. MENC PreK Music Education Standards for four-year olds addressed by activities in the Down by the Cool of the Pool scenario.
Fig. 5. NAEYC language and communication standards for four-year-olds addressed by activities in the Down by the Cool of the Pool
scenario.
International Reading Association (IRA) serves as mental continuum during the preschool years are
the official voice for international best practice ap- musical experiences and reading aloud to children.
proaches to literacy education. In a joint statement The combining of these two experiences into a
with the National Association for the Education of strategy for development of preschool literacy reflects
Young Children (NAEYC) approved in 1998 and a belief among IRA members that varied strategies
entitled Learning to Read and Write: Developmentally are necessary in order to address the diversity of
Appropriate Practices for Young Children, develop- today!s classroom and to stimulate and maintain high
ment of literacy skills was presented as being on a interest in reading. Strongly recommended are expe-
developmental continuum progressing through five riences that develop phonemic awareness through
phases toward the goal of advanced reading at fourth participation in singing, fingerplays, games, poems,
grade and above. Those beginning and intermediate and stories rich in phonemic patterns such as rhyme
phases are as follows: (1) Awareness and Explora- and alliteration. Combining the use of Big Books and
tionPreschool; (2) Experimental Reading and music-integrated literacy experiences is thus the type
WritingKindergarten; (3) Early Reading and of strategy per IRA and NAEYC that enhances
WritingEnd of First Grade; (4) Transitional children!s exposure to concepts about print. While
Reading and WritingSecond Grade, and (5) Inde- the use of songs aids in the development of phonemic
pendent and Productive Reading and WritingThird awareness, it also affords children who are learning
Grade. English as a second language an opportunity to sing
Several activities identified as necessary to liter- songs in their primary language and in English.
acy development in phase 1 of the literacy develop- According to IRA and NAEYC, this activity
Pre-K Music 59
supports children!s first language while promoting music playschools, which became extremely popular
oral proficiency in English. in the 1990!s and involve 20,000 children under
The pre-kindergarten standards recommended as school age (Partanen, 2001, p. 2). Similar emphasis is
developmentally appropriate for early childhood placed on music in preschools in Hungary where
music education were developed by the Music Edu- children ages 36 attend kindergarten and participate
cators National Conference (MENC) in the United in musical plays daily. Music plays a significant role
States. Yet they are reflected in the curriculum of the in the national curriculum published in 1998, which
international music community, which also seeks to supports the traditional singing youth movement
develop creative expression in children and adoles- from the age of 6. The use of song was noted as
cents while celebrating indigenous music. A brief look significant to language growth in the NAEYC widely
at how music underscores literacy development in held expectations for preschoolers. In Indonesia a
other countries will illustrate the strong correlation singing curriculum is also utilized at the primary level
between these two areas. making use of folk songs and dances of the Javanese
Guidelines for music education in Australia tradition. Songs are a primary method of teaching the
were directly influenced by the MENC publication national language to young children. Vocabulary
Opportunity to Learn Standards for Music Instruc- development and self-expression, two goals of liter-
tion: Grades PreK-12 (1994). Early childhood music acy education, are addressed via the Indonesian
experiences in Australian schools may be provided music curriculum. In these and other countries, music
solely by the generalist classroom teacher as is and literacy operate together to promote growth in
typical in the United States or in collaboration with both areas.
a music specialist. Early childhood teachers and
music specialists work together to strengthen the
WHAT DO PRESCHOOL TEACHERS NEED TO
impact that engagement in music has upon learning
KNOW IN ORDER TO DEVELOP MUSIC-
in all areas.
INTEGRATED LITERACY EXPERIENCES?
According to the Fact Sheets on Music Education
provided through MENC, the arts are considered In order to begin to develop the music-integrated
foundation subjects in many countries and contribute literacy experiences, early childhood teachers need to
to the education of the whole child. The National be aware of how the blending of literacy and music
Curriculum of England places emphasis upon such activities can occur and the musical knowledge and
music skills from recognizing and exploring how skills needed to promote musical confidence when
sounds can be made and changed to discriminating teaching.
and exploiting the characteristics and expression in 1. The Book/Music Blend
musical genres and styles. These type skills play a key Teachers bring a wealth of knowledge regarding
role in the development of phonemic awareness in children!s literature to the music-integrated literacy
young children in English schools. In France, a music environment. The book is always at the center of
education curriculum designed to promote listening instruction in this suggested lap- or large-group
to, analyzing and valuing music of different periods, reading format. The musical activities that are inte-
memorizing and recognizing musical compositions of grated should be relevant in some way to the book
progressive difficulty, and judging music critically and provide an opportunity for children to strengthen
encourages dialogue between adults and children thus the music abilities noted in the PreK MENC Stan-
developing vocabulary and creative, critical thinking dards. Although many interesting and unique books
skills. come to mind, it is prudent that the majority of books
Music education in the Caribbean has been selected for integrative lessons be popular with chil-
influenced by the British National Curriculum and dren and be a staple in the classroom library. This
the American National Standards for Music. As will also assure that parents can easily access the
such, the Revised Primary Curriculum of Jamaica books through the local library and/or bookstore to
encourages experiences that give children the oppor- extend the learning. Figure 6 presents some suggested
tunity to compose, listen to and appraise music, and books.
perform. Integration of music with social studies and Typically a children!s song or singing/ring game
science is encouraged in grades 13 (Tucker & Bo- e.g. The Farmer in the Dell can begin the learning
wen, 2004, p. 15). Finnish music education similarly experience that mentions the featured character of a
integrates into other subjects through play in their book. After sharing the musical experience with the
60 Wiggins
Amidon, Mary Alice, & Amidon Peter (Eds.). (1991). Jump Jim Joe: Great
Singing Games for Children.
Amidon Mary Alice, & Amidon, Peter (1997). Jump Jim Joe: Great Singing Games for
Children [CD].
Burton, Leon, Hoffer, Charles, & Hughes, William (1996). Bowmars Adventures in
Music Listening (Level 1).
Classic Books with Holes (2004). Ten Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed.
Golden Books Music (2004). Preschool Songs: 15 Fun Songs for Kids [CD].
Martin, Jr. Bill, & Archambault, John (1989). Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.
National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts (1994). Listen Here! A Classical Music
Listening Library for Children (Teachers Manual and Cassettes).
National Wildlife Federation (2004). Your Big Backyard: Animal Tunes [Interactive CD].
children and encouraging them to use their best teacher reads the repetitive refrain, Down by the
singing voices, a natural segue can occur into the cool of the pool.
lesson through the musical link made with a character Since many children!s books are songs in story
or theme from the story (Figure 7). form, invite the children to sing along as the story is
All the best practice methods when reading to presented e.g. Down by the Station or Miss Mary
small children can then be incorporated into the Mack. Before the session ends, advantage can be
reading of the story to promote emergent literacy. taken of opportunities to expand vocabulary or other
For example, if the book has a repetitive refrain, the literacy activities such as promoting recognition of
children can be encouraged to join in during the sight words from the story or identifying rhyme.
reading of the story as the refrain recurs in the Musical instruments are a general staple in the early
book. As mentioned in our earlier scenario, the frog childhood setting; therefore, the reading of the story
always cries, Whee! The children love to manip- might be followed with a dramatization or retelling of
ulate their voices when making the frog!s statement the story by the children who create a musical
and they will gleefully all join in each time the accompaniment. Another follow-up activity might be
Pre-K Music 61
Engaging children in games where they are in addressing similar skills in phase 1 literacy devel-
guessing the sounds of items related to the story that opment in preschool.
was read supports another music standard in which Vocabulary development and phonemic aware-
children learn how to identify sound sources both ness are supported by the first set of activities.
musical and nonmusical (Standards IIIa). When a Diversity in song selection during music activities
listening experience occurs during a music and liter- addresses the second language learners! need to pre-
acy lesson, encouraging the children to dialogue serve the primary language while learning English.
about the music they listen to promotes their musical Literacy skills are strengthened by the second set
abilities as well (Standard IVa). Initial concern may of activities by giving the children opportunities to
arise in the mind of the teacher who does not consider talk about what they have read in their own unique
herself a polished musician. way. Responsive conversations with the teacher and
However, all the activities described above can peers may often be by-products of these types of
be done with a working knowledge of the familiar activities and may further develop interest in reading.
music that occurs naturally in the early childhood The third set of activities encourages more
classroom and through frequent use of some of the sophisticated use of language reflective of higher-or-
resources listed in Figure 6. Remember that singing der thinking and analytical thought. It also encour-
without the aid of instruments or compact discs is ages a desire to learn more vocabulary for
natural to children and allows them to listen to their communicating ideas clearly to significant individu-
own voices as well as that of the teacher. So, whether als. The fourth set of activities promotes compre-
inside or outside, singing and movement can occur hension and retention of information/instructions
without the assistance of technology or pianos and long enough to reproduce or perform it in a logical
guitars. and ordered fashion.
The music specialist at a local elementary school
can be a great resource for the early childhood
CONCLUSION
teacher who wishes to gain added insight into how
the music specialist works with young children. Area There are parallel skills in reading and music. A
colleges and universities with music education pro- music-integrated literacy environment nurtures
grams can also assist with enhancing the musical life auditory and visual discrimination, eye-motor coor-
of early childhood settings through supervised dination, visual sequential memory, language recep-
internships of music education majors. Post-second- tion, vocabulary development, phonological and
ary institutions and local school districts frequently phonemic awareness, and fluency. Simultaneously,
offer classes that some early childhood educators may musical perception, music score reading, musical
want to consider taking. These classes share infor- memory, song repertoire, and musical performance
mation about early childhood music and introduce are enhanced. In the early learning setting, music!s
the playing of simple instruments that teachers may engaging nature encourages children to attend during
wish to incorporate into the early childhood class- reading activities, invites them to be active listeners,
room. and promotes comprehension and dialogue.
The standards-based approach to integrating
music and literacy activities described in this dis-
HOW CAN EARLY INTERVENTION EFFORTS
course reflects national and international thought
BE ENHANCED AND STRENGTHENED BY
regarding developmentally appropriate practice. It is
CORRELATED MUSIC AND LITERACY EXPE-
generally agreed that both literacy and music
RIENCES?
development occur along a continuum toward a
Literacy education is about developing the abil- common goal of critical and creative expression. As
ity to communicate effectively. Music is a form of such, both areas require the use of varied strategies
communication, both oral and print, that in many in order to optimize growth and development in all
ways develops along a similar continuum to that learners. Across nations, children are engaged in
identified by the IRA. As such, it integrates well with learning the musical language of their countries
literacy activities designed to support fluent and cre- through integrative, standards-based approaches
ative self-expression. Figure 9 presents some ways in that strengthen literacy specifically and learning in
which literacy activities and music activities correlate general.
Pre-K Music 63
Fig. 9. Correlated literacy and music activities that support Phase 1 goals on the Literacy Continuum for 4-year-olds.
Research has long established the music and variety of strategies, and promote critical thinking
literacy connection. The ability to listen is most (2002). Music-enhanced early literacy experiences do
keenly developed in musical settings and is necessary celebrate and support diversity, are representative of
to successful language reading. varied and creative instructional approaches, and
Globally, the responsibility for introducing mu- inherently promote critical and creative thinking.
sic into the world of early learners is met most often
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