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Building Connections
Through Music-Based Learning Centers
Using
the Center
By: Suzanne L.
Burton, Ph. D.
University of Delaware
Once the center has been planned, materials gathered, and is ready for
use, take time to introduce the center to the children before they interact
with the materials. Provide brief explanations of each area and demonstrate
how to use equipment as well as how to clean up and store materials. Establish
guidelines for using the center by asking the children what rules they
think would be helpful for the smooth operation of the center. After the
center has been in operation, evaluate the effectiveness of the activities.
By being involved with the children as they participate in the center
you will be able to evaluate which areas seem to attract children and
which areas are rarely used. Spending time observing the children as they
interact with the materials will also help to generate new activity ideas.
Involve the children in evaluation of the center. Ask them for their opinions
and their ideas for activities. They often know the tools they need for
learning and have great ideas to share.
A music-based learning center has much to offer whether it be a springboard
for creativity or a way to strengthen skills in other content areas. Whatever
your learning goals, a music-based learning center just might be what
you need in your classroom for your students to learn in a fresh and novel
way.
Written by:
Suzanne L. Burton, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Music Education
University of Delaware
Music Department
Dr. Suzanne Burton is assistant professor of music education at the University
of Delaware where she teaches general and early childhood music methods
courses, graduate courses in curriculum development and research and supervises
student teachers. In addition, she teaches preservice elementary and early
childhood teachers how to use music as a tool for learning in the classroom.
©2007 Suzanne L. Burton, Ph.D. All rights reserved.
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