SOUND FOUNDATIONS
The importance of music in early years
Music is the bedrock of our school and here, at Seaton Sluice First School, we acknowledge the importance of a strong musical foundation. Our Headteacher, Mrs Bennett, teaches in Reception each week and she brings a range of musical experiences to learning that strengthen and enrichen other areas of learning.
Music is a universal language and it's benefits are endless: creativity, the development of language, reinforcement of fine and gross motor skills, the strong links with literacy and also mathematics.
Our school is a 'singing school'. This means that bespoke songs have been composed (by Mrs Bennett) to accompany routines and expectations such as lining up, tidying up and saying goodbye. The songs have been licensed and are available on the 'Sing Up' website as 'routine songs'. They provide a clear structure and promote an inclusive culture where everyone feels safe. The delivery of early years music is part of our 'Sound Foundations' framework that Mrs Bennett develops and leads. This incorporates the various elements of music, planned as different 'bricks' that form the 'sound foundation' from which other learning can build upon and develop further. Below is an example lesson plan from one of the Reception music sessions delivered within the Autumn term.
The impact of this approach is that the children develop confidence, musicality and have ongoing additional reinforcement to further strengthen their focus, listening, coordination, language, communication, muscle strength and ability to work together. All in all, we believe that music is absolutely brilliant and a whole load of fun too!