Sequence of learning - Music 2 - EYFS

For Reception-aged children, learning to sing in tune is an engaging process that involves a blend of listening, echoing, and experimenting with sounds. The journey begins with the basics of singing in a group or individually, where the focus is on matching pitch and following the melody. To support this development, educators use a variety of pitch-matching games that encourage children to imitate short phrases, whether hummed or sung. Starting with simple sounds like 'ba' can make it easier for children to find the right pitch before moving on to more complex songs with words.

The proposed learning sequence includes singing call-and-response songs, which allow children to practice echoing phrases and gradually build their ability to sing in tune. New songs are introduced slowly and repeated often, ensuring that the melody and lyrics are well understood. Singing at a slower pace also helps children to absorb the tune and words more effectively. This approach aligns with the Early Learning Goal of being imaginative and expressive, which encompasses inventing stories, singing well-known nursery rhymes, and performing with others in time with the music. Key vocabulary such as 'echo', 'nursery rhyme', 'loud', 'quiet', 'high', and 'low' is introduced to enrich their understanding and expression of music.