There is lots of evidence that music helps kids improve their language skills. Beat, rhyme and rhythm are all part of reading - they help phonological awareness, fluence and prediction. Poetry and songs also expand children's vocabularies are a good predictor of school success. Speaking clearly not only exercise the mouth muscles but gives a stronger sense of self and helps children to say what they feel and need. Also, singing and speaking together help children (and adults) to regulate their emotions, and increase feelings of wellbeing.
When we add performance, the impact of all these things increases, however there are all sorts of other benefits to performing. Working as a team and being responsible to the group: remembering where to be from one moment to the next: having the confidence to speak in front of a group are all things that are hard to measure, but we know the difference they can make to confidence and self-esteem. Then of course, there is pride they feel, in having their families in the audience and the fun!
Thank you to the families and students for their enthusiastic participation on the night.
It's made the children so proud.
The students had a lot of fun playing board and circle games with their parents. A great night for all.