Kodály in the Kindergarten Classroom

Kodály in the Kindergarten Classroom is the first comprehensive handbook to update and apply the Kodály concepts to teaching music in early childhood classrooms.

Kodály in the Kindergarten Classroom provides teachers with a step-by-step roadmap for developing children's performance, creative movement, and literacy skills organically and thoughtfully. Through six years of field-testing with music kindergarten 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 kindergarteners' particular developmental stages but also one which integrates vertically between kindergarten and elementary music classes.

The methods outlined in this volume encourage greater musical ability and creativity in children by teaching kindergarteners to sing, move, play instruments, and develop music literacy skills. In addition, Kodály in the Kindergarten 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.

Over 100 children's books are incorporated into Kodály in the Kindergarten Classroom, along with 35 detailed lesson plans that demonstrate how music and literacy curriculum goals are transformed into tangible musical objectives. Scholarly materials presented in a practical, accessible way make this volume an essential guide for kindergarten and early childhood music teachers everywhere.

Contents:

Introduction

1.   Developing a Music Repertoire of Songs and Books for the Kindergarten Music Classroom

2.   Building the Framework of a Kindergarten Music Curriculum

3.   Developing Creative Expression Through Singing, Movement, and Playing Instruments

4.   A Model of Learning and Instruction for Teaching Music Concepts and Skills

5.   Teaching Music Concepts in Kindergarten

6.   Cultivating Music Skills and Creativity

7.   Sequencing and Lesson Planning

8.   Assessment and Evaluation in Kindergarten

9.   Organizing Your Teaching Resources for the Kindergarten Classroom

Appendix 1: Songs and Related Children's Literature for the Early Childhood and Kindergarten Classroom

Appendix 2: Alphabetized List of Children's Literature

Appendix 3: Children's Literature Related to Music Concepts for the Early Childhood and Kindergarten Classroom

Appendix 4: Monthly Plans