Using music as a tool to motivate little learners

Early childhood educators get the chance next week to learn from Kids Music Company founder Janet Channon about how music can be an excellent tool to motivate 2 to 5-year-olds. Picture supplied

The founder of The Kids Music Company will be in Gisborne next week to give teachers of 2 to 5 year olds, and parents and caregivers with children in that age range, the opportunity to discover the value of music as a motivator.

Janet Channon’s company provides a powerful vehicle for learning, as shown by 10 international awards in two decades of creating kids’ music.

“Their music is popular in New Zealand and worldwide, known for it’s fun, funky tunes interlaced with essential learning,” said Sport Gisborne Tairawhiti Active Mokopuna Co-ordinator Monique Mcleod.

“The workshop aims to empower early childhood educators to use music for a wide range of benefits in their classrooms.

“Music is not only useful in developing movement skills, it also builds language, visual strength, focused listening, creativity, social confidence and memory.

“Janet is returning to Gisborne with new music and will be showing how easy it is to motivate kids to move and learn through music. All that is needed is a willingness to have fun, and some comfortable clothes to move in.”

Ms McLeod said Janet Channon and the Music to Motivate Movement workshop had made an impact in Early Childhood teaching nationwide.

Tairawhiti Reap (Rural Education Activities Programme) has made funding available to meet transport costs for rural people to attend.

The workshop will be Wednesday March 28 at the Waikanae Surf Lifesaving Club.

It is from 7 to 9pm and has a cost of $20 per person, to be paid on registration.

To register, contact Monique McLeod at Sport Gisborne Tairawhiti, phone (06) 868 9943 ext 706 or email moniquem@sportgisborne.org.nz