Enabling Environments: What's that Noise?

Early years practitioners are generally comfortable in settling children around them to sing a few songs, maybe with some musical accompaniment. But, this video asks: are you recognising, valuing and supporting the spontaneous music-making and exploration that happens all the time in settings, and in all parts of a setting?

Lasting just under 15 minutes, this YouTube video provides real insights into the musical behaviours of threeto five-year-olds, as well as providing useful pointers on how to engage in children's music-making and extend its learning potential.

The film was developed by the London Early Years Music Network, part of Sound Connections, and funded by Youth Music, while the main collaborators were early years music specialists Linda Bance and Marjorie Ouvry, music educator John Webb and project manager Nina Swann.

The snapshots of play, filmed at six early settings, capture perfectly children's innate musicality and the extent to which music is woven through their play. A little boy rocks his teddy while humming 'Row, row, row your boat', another beats claves in time to his singing, while another taps on a metal pole.

Also included are sequences showing how all the ingredients of music, from rhythm and tempo to beat and dynamics, are present in children's play. And, to guide settings in their practice, the film illustrates how practitioners can:

• become involved in children's music play

• extend the learning in children's self-chosen interests, and

• create a rich enabling environment to support children's musical explorations.

Best of all, this film captures children's delight in music. Their sheer joy and exuberance make clear the importance of musical experiences to them, but the main messages about music in the early years are made simply. Summing up, narrator Marjorie Ouvry says, 'Music is food for mental and physical growth... but, most importantly, it is a unique means of expression to nourish us all of our lives.'

MORE INFORMATION

To view What's That Noise? visit: http://youtube/vCdh1XDsydA

For more information on the video and on the London Early Years Music Network, visit: www.sound-connections.org.uk. Sound Connections promotes best practice in music education through innovative projects, action research and advocacy.