Music and Movement

Fridays are music days in the SHS Montessori Preschool and Kindergarten programs, and new this year is a dedicated space, and face, of the program—Matthieu Roques. The veteran elementary and middle school teacher, who hails from France, has transformed room 5 in the preschool building into a music and movement room, decorating it with music-themed mottos and imagery. It’s there that he teaches six 35-minute music classes back-to-back to each of the preschool and kindergarten classes. The kindergarteners, in their new building across the playground, take a short walk on Fridays to the music room.

 

With students ranging in age from three to six years old, Roques focuses on the basic elements of music and forming a foundation of music literacy and appreciation. “Even at this age, it’s important not to minimize their potential,” said Roques. “They can get tricky concepts.”

 

Back in December, Roques had just finished up a class where the preschoolers were rehearsing for their first performance of the year—Christmas carols to sing to their parents and teachers on the last day of school before winter break. During the class, Roques taught the students a new term, “dynamics”—the idea that “songs have moments of quiet.” The lesson came a week after Roques explained the opposing musical term, “crescendo.” The classroom is decorated with a “crescendo crocodile” to help students remember the concept. 

 

The movement piece of the class is also key in helping students retain new information. Students create “mimes” to match the lyrics, which gets their bodies moving and imparts coordination and a sense of timing.

 

Body percussion is another element woven into the curriculum. “There are many sounds you can make by clapping, tapping, and stomping, and also sounds you can do with your mouth. This is so much fun for them, and it’s the best possible way to get into rhythm,” said Roques. 

 

Above all else, the biggest emphasis is on being together. “This interaction as a group is so important at this age—there’s a dimension of equality when all come together to sing and dance as one group. It’s a joyful celebration of their experience at school.”