Music in Early Childhood - By Kari Buishas

Early Childhood students have worked all year with our Music Guide in Residence, Kari Buishas. The students recently participated in a lesson with the recorded music, "The Dance of the Dandelion." Below is Kari's description of the lesson and the students' work this year.

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This particular piece of music tells the whole story of the life cycle of the dandelion. The lesson began on the rug in our singing circle. I explained what the music is about to say/describe. First the sun shining, wind blowing and the sound of little seed parachutes descending to the earth. Then the sound of the seedling's struggle as it breaks through the soil. Next it ascends toward the sun and opens as a beautiful yellow flower. Suddenly the sound of shrinking, condensing, and drying up appears.

Next we hear little seeds being spit out into the wind...they fall to the same music the score started with. The cycle repeats.

We then ventured outside. In the yards by the lower playground was every single stage/example of this life cycle of the dandelion. The children were completely awed, so respectful of each part having its place. We discussed the story as a group this time.

Then we went back to the rug and turned on the music, preparing our bodies to now tell the story with only movement. Every child brought their heart and soul to the dance. It was stunning.

In addition to this type of work, we have done a lot of work with the Montessori Bells. We always do at least one bell activity every day. Either matching individual bells, finding tonal patterns, or a playing a variety of sound grading games. There are also lots of rhythm and movement activities. We intentionally cross our mid lines every day.

It has been a beautiful year.

So much love and appreciation,

Kari