As part of Peake’s accreditation through the National Association for the Education for Young Children (NAEYC) music is present in our daily schedule. We provide frequent music and movement activities as part of our learning through play curriculum and have assorted musical instruments in the classroom. Last summer, we decided to expand our students’ musical learning opportunities, but we needed help. We sent letters to our community requesting donations to launch Kindermusik in our classrooms.
Kindermusik is a research-based music and movement program, starting at the infant level and continuing through age five. It provides curriculum for each age group, classroom supply kits, and hands-on teacher training. Music helps children learn numeracy, literacy, and social-emotional skills. Music is one of the few activities that engages both parts of the brain, logic, and creativity, and as a result helps to make brain connections which helps children and adults think faster.
With the help of 37 donors and support from Hampton City Schools, Kindermusik has been present in our classrooms starting this past Fall. Thanks to the generosity of our community, our students’ educational experiences are enhanced through this high-quality music program. With the majority of Peake families living at or below the poverty line, most of our students do not have musical opportunities outside of those provided at school due to the high cost of instruments, music lessons, and the daily struggles some of our families experience.
Please use this link to view a short video that was sent to all the contributors for this project and features our students engaged in Kindermusik activities: https://youtu.be/9NdlPT-RQNc
