song-happy.blogspot.com

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Really useful song collections

Taking your young child to music classes?  Do the songs and rhymes go out of your head when you walk out the door?  I remember the same problem. 

There are loads of great resources to help remind you of the words and music.   Three of my favourite books containing early childhood repertoire are:

1. Catch a Song - Deanna Hoermann & Dooreen Bridges

A beautifully organised collection of mostly traditional songs, with words, music, analysis and suggestions for activities.  Fantastic for teachers and parents.

2. Merrily Merrily - Nursing Mothers' Association of Australia (now the Australian Breastfeeding Association)  

In 1976 the Association's newsletter asked members to submit suggestions for children's songs and rhymes, to be included in an Australian collection, and this is the result.  There was also a record produced (now a CD) to go with the collection.

3. First Steps in Music (and many other titles) - Dr John Feierabend.

John Feierabend's collection is based on research in America.  It is brilliant and well worth having.  He's produced a large number of books.  One series of books relates to different stages in child development.  Another slices things a different way, with a book for tickle rhymes and songs, one for circle games, etc.  Dr Feierabend is continually adapting his materials in response to the latest research, so look for recent editions.

These resources are available online through many retailers including Amazon, VOSAJohn Feierabend's website and the Music Works Magic website. You can sometimes also find these titles on Ebay.

Picture: 'Jen Reads' by Jen Waller, http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenwaller/2741703385/

No comments:

Post a Comment