Today I'd like to show just how compatible music and Montessori are and provide you with 6 tips when combining music and Montessori in the classroom.
If you aren't combining the two, you are missing out on so much learning!
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Music is a language that all can understand no matter levels of education, language, race, ethnicity, or background. It speaks to our hearts and minds in ways that other types of communication can not.
Yes, I'm biased. Music has been a very big part of my life. Before my children were born and we started our Montessori journey, it was my career. I graduated from college as a music major with an emphasis in voice.
Since high school I have taught piano and voice lessons to people of all ages. As my children have grown it has been a major part of our daily lives.
I sincerely don't know what our lives would be like without music. It is a huge part of my children's Montessori education in so many different ways. Here are my best tips when teaching music in a Montessori Classroom
6 Tips When Combining Music and Montessori in the Classroom
1. Follow the child when studying musical concepts.
If you have not introduced all aspects of music, trial and error is the best way to go, knowing that some materials and activities may not be used.
Consider the following topics:
- Theory/Composition
- Composers
- Conducting
- Vocal Instruction
- Music History
- Orchestra
- Band
- Opera
- Musicals
- Playing an Instrument
- Voice
The options are limitless as all of the suggestions above can be broken down even further.
Dinomite is obsessed with musicals and conducting right now.
Bulldozer is obsessed with modern day composers who write film scores.
Princess is trying out her voice singing anywhere she can.
Sunshine loves instruments and dance. She's also very good at "Name that Tune."
2. Incorporate music into other subject areas.
If a child loves music, it is quite easy to incorporate musical ideas into the learning of subjects such as language, math, science, history, etc.
Whether you use an instrument to help with the counting of numbers or syllables, or use songs to teach concepts in science and history, a child with a passion for music will respond in positive ways.
If you're unsure about what instruments to use, be sure to check out all of the options in my post: The Best Musical Instruments to Use in a Montessori Classroom.
Bulldozer struggles with auditory processing issues. When I teach new concepts he often struggles. However, if I put concepts to music with visuals, he catches on quicker than anyone else.
When I'm introducing new concepts, I always try to find a song that will go along with what he's learning. All of our children learned a song for every number 2-9 when skip counting. To this day they sing the songs every time they need them.
3. Use music to introduce lessons and topics in the classroom.
Dinomite is very passionate about the musical Hamilton right now and has been for some time. This has lead to an interest in American History, the study of past Presidents of the United States of America, a specific interest in the constitution and the desire to visit our nation's capital.
Before Hamilton he couldn't get enough of Newsies. The musical inspired our study of the printing press, writing newspaper articles etc.
You can see all we did in the post: Learning Activities Inspired by Newsies the Musical. Had I introduced the history of the printing press and writing newspaper articles without the musical, he would have shown no interest.
If you notice your child shows an interest in a piece of music, use the music as inspiration for learning. It can make a world of difference and help the child remember the material and experience in ways that are otherwise not possible.
4. Incorporate music activities into Montessori-inspired thematic units.
Most often it's easy to incorporate at least one music activity when studying a topic of interest. Some examples of this can be found in previous unit studies.
2. Nutcracker Unit 2 with Free Printables
3. The Universe: Music & Art Activities with Free Printables
It can be so much fun to take a topic and create a music activity that goes along with it!
5. Embrace the study of music in the classroom knowing that the child will develop skills necessary in other subject areas.
At times we come across a child who is only interested in music, and will do nothing else. When this happens we can choose to follow the child.
Focusing academic studies on musical concepts does not mean all is lost in other subject areas. Music is language. It is math. History can be taught through music. The science of sound and how it's evolved is fascinating.
Do not underestimate the power of music. If you still find yourself struggling to come up with ideas the blogs below are fabulous resources!
6. Introduce the Montessori Music Curriculum
For those who are unaware, there is a Montessori music curriculum. It focuses on the use of bells and tone bars. The materials are very pricey but can be very beneficial for a child who responds well to music.
There should never be any reason to hesitate incorporating Montessori and music. The two go hand in hand, especially when you are being led by Maria Montessori's principle of "following the child."
I can't imagine what our classroom would be without music. It is essential to creating an environment of peace and order.
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