Children are highly curious little creatures whose "work" is play. The more fun a learning activity, the more engaged the child will be. Music activities can be made fun by teaching age-appropriate songs. For preschoolers this means songs with one or two repeating stanzas. "Row Row Row Your Boat," "London Bridge," "Ring Around the Rosy," "The Mulberry Bush," "Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree" and "Once there was a Snowman" are examples of age-appropriate music for preschoolers. These songs also incorporate kinesthetic learning through physical actions — another major fun factor for preschoolers.
A preschool music teacher needs a library of tunes to call on for working with children. Children learn quickly and like the challenge of new material. Songs can be presented and learned a cappella, with in-class instrument accompaniment like a piano or guitar, or by recorded songs. Ideas for tunes can come from library books, music books, personal knowledge and newly-created songs available for purchase on CD. Seasonal songs, like for Halloween and the holidays, can also be an effective part of the library.
Before preschoolers can engage in learning, they must be focused on the activity at hand. Set the stage for musical activities by providing a designated spot for music. Set an area rug in a comfortable corner of the room and sit on a low chair — or the floor — with preschoolers sitting cross-legged. Catch their eyes, and begin the activity by modeling for the children the song, along with any physical actions. Then introduce the song one line at a time, inviting the children to join in. Repeat until they can readily sing the line. Keep music time to a few minutes at a time, and always begin the next music session by reviewing what was previously learned, then introducing a new line of music.
Site-specific learning, such as on the music rug, is the initial learning stage. To truly demonstrate learning, children need to have opportunities to share music in other locales. Visiting a nursing home and singing to residents, or going to next-door neighbors or parents provides preschoolers with opportunities to generalize musical learning and apply it in other life situations.