My students need a keyboard and stand for music in their lives in order to increase language development, math ability, creativity and nurture self-esteem.
Do you remember learning a new song and then singing along as one of your teachers played the piano? Due to budget cuts at our school, music programs have been slashed. They have become a mere shadow of what they once were.
I have thirty-two second graders in my class.
They are bright, lively and eager to learn. My students love music. Children naturally respond to music by moving and being active. Music helps children learn about rhythm and also develops motor coordination.
My Project
Throughout history, music has been an integral part of human life. Researchers have found correlations between music making and deep workings of the brain. Music helps develop language skills. When young children listen to familiar words in songs, their brains build connections to the sounds they hear and words they sing. Singing songs and reciting poems and rhymes with children help them develop early literacy skills. The more music children have in their lives, the better they will speak and read. Music is nonjudgmental - there is no right or wrong. Music also encourages the ability to listen and thus concentration is enhanced. A simple song can include basic math skills such as counting, repeating patterns and sequencing. I have requested a portable keyboard with touch sensitive keys and a keyboard stand so that my students can listen to and sing along to the new songs they learn. Having a portable keyboard in the classroom will allow this to take place.
Participation in a music program teaches children to make good judgments and solve problems.
It strengthens the learning environment. For some, it provides the "spark" that keeps some students coming to school.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Longo and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.