Engaging every student: music, movement, and language in the kindergarten classroom

Project (M.A., Education (Curriculum and Instruction) -- California State University, Sacramento, 2010.This project is an Alternative Culminating Experience for a Master of Arts in Education: Curriculum and Instruction with an Elective Emphasis on Arts in Education. It follows Pathway II: The art of teaching art. The author documented her personal journey of developing as an arts educator with an emphasis on music, movement, and play experience to foster engagement and language development. The research focused on the benefits of using both music and movement in the learning process. The author embarked on a learning journey to improve her knowledge of music, movement, and play strategies to introduce to her Kindergarten students. This journey included the opportunity for educational and professional growth, reflection on practices, and documentation of growth, both personal and of her student???s academic achievement.\ud The research that was conducted by the author supports the use of music, movement, and play experiences in the Kindergarten classroom. Children need to be exposed to a variety of instructional strategies. These approaches have led to a higher retention rates of sight words and numbers. The children involved in the project became more engaged and are continued to develop patience and regard for other students. The author will continue to use the approaches learned in Education Through Music and Waldorf Education. She will continue her research and will continue to grow as an educator and lifelong learner.Education (Curriculum and Instruction