Reviewed by Marian Whitehead, language and early years consultant
Here is another attractive booklet from Early Education, and this one comes with a tuneful and stimulating CD! The author is a distinguished early years practitioner who is also a trained classical singer, so it has the voice of experience, conviction and musical authority. Yet the approach is delightfully inclusive and holistic because she sees music integrated into children's own interests and all aspects of early years education.
I was immediately drawn to an excellent piece of advice at the start of Chapter 1: instead of concentrating on 'music', practitioners should simply keep their focus on children and childhood - the very things that they already know and feel confident about (p9).
This is not, however, a vaguely focused feel-good study about young children and non-specialist practitioners. It springs from the knowledge and experience of a musician and educator and makes clear demands of the adult who wishes to support the musical explorations and learning of young children. There is a lovely chapter on 'Singing', some exciting 'Recipes' for home-made instruments, and useful lists of resources. So get scraping, banging and blowing!
