Kodály in the First Grade Classroom

Kodály in the First Grade Classroom provides teachers with a step-by-step roadmap for developing children's performance, creative movement, and literacy skills in an organic and thoughtful manner. Through six years of field-testing with kindergarten music teachers in the United States, Great Britain, and Hungary (the home country of Zoltán Kodály), authors Micheál Houlahan and Philip Tacka have developed a methodology specifically for 21st-century classrooms. Houlahan and Tacka use the latest research findings in cognition and perception to create a system not only appropriate for the developmental stages of first-grade students but also one which integrates vertically between elementary music classes.

The methods outlined in this volume encourage greater musical ability and creativity in children by teaching them to sing, move, play instruments, and develop music literacy skills. In addition, Kodály in the First Grade Classroom promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. Although the book uses the Kodály philosophy, its methodology has also been tested by teachers certified in Orff and Dalcroze and has proven an essential guide for teachers no matter what their personal philosophy and specific training might be.

Numerous children's songs are incorporated into Kodály in the First Grade Classroom, as well as over 35 detailed lesson plans that demonstrate how music and literacy curriculum goals are transformed into tangible musical objectives. Scholarly yet practical and accessible, this volume is sure to be an essential guide for kindergarten and early childhood music teachers everywhere.

Contents:

• Acknowledgments
• About the Companion Website
• Introduction
• Chapter 1: Building the Framework for a Grade One Music Curriculum based on the Kodály Concept
• Chapter 2: Developing a Music Repertoire: Children as Stewards of Their Cultural and Musical Heritage
• Chapter 3: Teaching Strategies: Teaching music concepts and elements in Grade 1
• Chapter 4: Developing Music Skills and Creative Expression: Children as Performers
• Chapter 5: Six Units and 30* Sequential Lessons Plans for Grade 1
• Chapter 6: Assessment of Performance, Reading, Writing, and Improvisation in Grade 1Index