Creating Harmony: Using Music for Connection, Collaboration, and Regulation

Byearlychildhoodchristiannetwork

Hey Reader!

What if I told you that there is a really easy and fun way to foster connection, collaboration, and emotional regulation in your classroom and you don’t even have to buy anything?

It’s MUSIC! Keep reading to see how music actually help you do all of these things! (Hint: You don’t actually have to be good at singing. Preschoolers don’t really care if you can carry a tune!)

  1. Building Connection: Music provides a shared experience that crosses language and cultural barriers, making it a fantastic way to build connections among children. Start each day with a welcome song or gather for a group sing-along session to create a sense of community and belonging. You’ll see even children who are hesitant to speak up in a group setting will participate in a song or chant together.
  2. Fostering Collaboration: Divide children into small groups and assign them roles such as singers, musicians, or dancers for a familiar song. Then switch roles and do it again! Creating musical experiences like this helps children learn their strengths and encourages working together to make something beautiful! You’re promoting team-work, problem-solving and creativity as each “performance” will be slightly different than the first!
  3. Promoting Emotional Regulation: Music has a profound impact on emotions and can serve as a powerful tool for promoting emotional regulation and self-expression. Sing/listen to sad songs and happy songs. Notice the difference with children as you listen to fast-paced music vs slow/quiet music. Ask questions like “how does that make your body feel?” Allow children to make up songs about being angry or frustrated or sad or happy! This is a great way for them to process language around their feelings!

And guess what? You don’t need a fancy playlist or CD-player (do we still use those in the classroom)! You just need to be willing to make a melody about whatever you’re experiencing with your students. For some, that comes naturally. For the rest of us…I did actually link a couple of playlists below that might bring a little fun into your classroom.

I had a fun conversation with Sharon Burnett recently on our podcast about using music to reduce stress and bring more joy into the classroom! Listen in HERE, if you haven’t yet. Looking for some fun playlists? Check out THIS ONE and THIS ONE on Spotify? Have you created/found any fun playlists that you love to use? Send them to us so we can have some fun too!

Cheering you on this week!

-Your ECCN team

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Colossians 3:16

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

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