Music - Mahi waiata

Music is a core component of the SPACE programme and can be introduced in a variety of ways, including songs, rhymes, books, music and movement. The music included on session is tailored individually to each SPACE group.

While music is fun and interactive, it is also a powerful learning tool. Music is a wonderful communication tool: infants absorb language and language patterns when introduced to songs, rhymes and stories. Babies enjoy rocking/rhythmic movements to music. Music also provides infants with the opportunity to enjoy the soothing nature of music, and gain confidence in singing and moving to music.

Throughout the SPACE programme there are opportunities to experience music and movement. SPACE participants are encouraged to sing songs, experiment with sounds, and gain confidence in singing and moving to music. There is also opportunity to share songs and traditions of their own and other cultures.

The early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki (Ministry of Education,1996) promotes holistic development, and states that children and their families will discover and develop communication skills, including the following learning outcomes:

• A playful interest in repetitive sounds and words, aspects of language such as rhythm [and] rhyme (Communication Goal 2)
• Confidence to sing songs, including songs of their own, and to experiment with chants and pitch patterns (Communication Goal 4)
• An appreciation of te reo as a living and relevant language (Communication Goal 2)