THE KODÁLY APPROACH

Dear Parents,

The link below provides general information that explains why we do what we do.   http://www.allianceamm.org/resources_elem_Kodaly.html

I believe that we as educators (whether in class or at home) should invite ourselves to "child's play" in order to interact and socially connect with children. The Kodály method for early music education provides excellent tools and lesson plans which help adults understand "what works with children."

Kodály believed singing was the best medium for teaching the language of music. Singing actively engages the whole person and develops that essential musicianly attribute, the inner hearing. Singing games, usually in circle formation, give opportunities for social interactions such as turn taking, choosing partners, or role-play. Games help to develop essential skills such as listening, concentration, memory and coordination, in an enjoyable and emotionally satisfying way. Children perform musical actions as a group, according to the rules of the game, walking skipping or clapping to the steady beat, taking turns as the leader or soloist. They learn spontaneously through being actively involved in a structured play situation.