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Nigeria's free digital learning hub. Videos, lecture notes, practice questions and leaderboards aligned with CCMAS, NBTE, NCCE, WAEC, NECO, IJMB and JAMB curricula.
Early Childhood Education · 300 Level
This is the complete lecture note for EEC 306 Musical instruments and Techniques for Young Learners, prepared for Early Childhood Education students at 300 Level. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS • Course code: EEC 306 • Course title: : Music and children Learning Outcomes • Course credit load: (2 Units C: LH 30) • List of Series: 1. Foundations of Music in Early Childhood Education 2. Functions and Importance of Music in Teaching 3. Musical Instruments and Techniques for Young Learners 4. Songs, Rhymes, Poems, and Movement in Learning 5. Practical Applications: Assessment, Participation, and Music Centre Construction Series 1: Foundations of Music in Early Childhood Education Series outline • Part 1: Defining Music and Its Role in Early Childhood o Sub-Part 1.1: Meaning and nature of music o Sub-Part 1.2: Identifying music in everyday contexts • Part 2: Functions of Music in Early Childhood Education o Sub-Part 2.1: Educational functions of music o Sub-Part 2.2: Social and emotional functions of music • Part 3: Music and Child Development o Sub-Part 3.1: Music as a tool for cognitive growth o Sub-Part 3.2: Music and behavioural development • Part 4: Foundations for Musical Participation o Sub-Part 4.1: Encouraging children’s involvement in musical activities o Sub-Part 4.2: Building appreciation and expression through music
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Introduction Music is one of the earliest forms of human expression, and for children it provides a natural way to explore sound, rhythm, and creativity. In early childhood education, music is not only a source of enjoyment but also a powerful tool for learning and development. By engaging with music, children begin to connect ideas, emotions, and actions in ways that strengthen their growth. The aim of this Series is to introduce you to the foundations of music in early childhood education, helping you to define music, recognise its functions, and appreciate its role in child development. We shall commence this Series by examining the meaning and nature of music, as well as how it can be identified in everyday contexts. Next, we will explore the functions of music in early childhood education, considering both its educational and social roles. Following that, we will study how music supports cognitive and behavioural development in children. Finally, we will conclude by focusing on how to encourage children’s participation in musical activities and how to build appreciation and expression through music. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: • SLO 1.1 define music and explain its nature in early childhood contexts, • SLO 1.2 identify examples of music in everyday situations, • SLO 1.3 analyse the educational functions of music in early childhood education, • SLO 1.4 explain the social and emotional functions of music for young learners, • SLO 1.5 evaluate the role of music in supporting cognitive development, • SLO 1.6 assess how music contributes to behavioural growth in children, and • SLO 1.7 demonstrate strategies for encouraging children’s participation and expression in musical activities. 1.1 Defining Music And Its Role In Early Childhood 1.1.1 Meaning and nature of music Music is often described as the organised combination of sound and silence, arranged in time to create rhythm, melody, and harmony. Sound refers to vibrations that can be heard by the human ear, while silence is the absence of sound, which is equally important in shaping musical expression. For children, music is not only an art form but also a medium through which they explore their environment and express themselves.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Music can be vocal, instrumental, or a blend of both. It may be simple, such as a nursery rhyme, or complex, like a symphony. In early childhood education, the focus is on simple, repetitive, and engaging forms of music that children can easily relate to. Fill in the blank: Music is the organised combination of ______ and silence, arranged in time to create rhythm, melody, and harmony. Diagram showing sound waves and silence intervals to illustrate the concept of music. Caption: Figure 1.1 Sound and silence in music
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.1.2 Identifying music in everyday contexts Children encounter music in many aspects of daily life. It may be heard in the classroom, at home, during play, or in cultural and religious settings. Context refers to the environment or situation in which music is experienced. Recognising music in everyday contexts helps children connect learning with real-life experiences. For example, the rhythmic clapping of hands during play, the lullabies sung by parents, or the chants used in traditional ceremonies are all forms of music. Teachers can use these familiar contexts to introduce children to structured musical learning. Fill in the blank: The environment or situation in which music is experienced is called ______. Image of children clapping hands and singing together in a classroom. Caption: Plate 1.1 Children experiencing music in everyday contexts
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS “Pilot questions 1.1 1. Music is defined as the organised combination of which two elements? 2. Why is silence considered important in music? 3. Give two examples of how children encounter music in everyday contexts. 4. What term is used to describe the environment in which music is experienced? 5. Why is simple and repetitive music particularly suitable for early childhood education?
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.2 Functions Of Music In Early Childhood Education 1.2.1 Educational functions of music Music serves as a powerful educational tool. It helps children learn language, mathematics, and social skills through rhythm, repetition, and melody. Educational function refers to the role of music in supporting structured learning. For example, counting songs reinforce numeracy, while alphabet songs strengthen literacy. Fill in the blank: Songs that reinforce numeracy skills are an example of the ______ function of music. Caption: Box 1.1 Examples of educational functions of music A table listing examples such as alphabet songs, counting songs, and memory rhymes. Educational Area How Music Supports Learning Specific Examples Cognitive Development Enhances memory, attention, problem-solving, and sequencing skills. Helps with pattern recognition and logical thinking. * Learning the alphabet through an "Alphabet Song." * Counting songs (e.g., "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe"). * Memorizing sequences (e.g., "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes"). * Developing auditory discrimination (identifying different instruments or sounds). Language Development Improves vocabulary, phonological awareness, articulation, and rhythm of speech. Encourages listening skills. * Nursery rhymes and songs introduce new words and rhyming patterns. * Choral singing practices clear pronunciation.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Educational Area How Music Supports Learning Specific Examples * Songs with repetitive phrases aid in language acquisition and recall. Motor Development Develops gross and fine motor skills, coordination, balance, and body awareness through movement and actions. * Action songs (e.g., "If You're Happy and You Know It," "The Hokey Pokey"). * Dancing and creative movement activities. * Playing simple rhythm instruments (shakers, drums) develops fine motor control. Social-Emotional Development Fosters cooperation, self-expression, emotional regulation, empathy, and cultural understanding. Builds a sense of community. * Group singing and dancing promotes teamwork and belonging. * Songs about feelings (e.g., "How Do You Feel?"). * Music from different cultures promotes diversity and empathy. * Using music to transition between activities provides structure and predictability. Creativity and Imagination Encourages imaginative play, improvisation, and self-expression. Provides an outlet for abstract thought. * Creating new verses to familiar songs. * Free dancing to music.
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