Musical Play in Primary Schools

Apr 21, 2022

Learning Native Bird Songs

Learning to listen and identify local birdlife is a wonderful activity for children of all ages. Here is a website to show you how.

Feb 28, 2022

Dance to Their Beat

What is most important about children can be learned only from children. Learn to observe and watch children, and listen, for the answers.

Feb 16, 2022

Music Is In The Space Between Notes

A rise in anxiety in society can often be linked back to how relentless our lives can be. How do we create space to rest and recover?

Nov 26, 2020

A Sneak Peek Into a Musical Play Session | Musical Play

Today we started a six week Musical Play programme at a school in Christchurch. The children were totally engaged from the start.

Nov 26, 2020

How We Run Music Sessions for Children with High Anxiety | Musical Play

Here is the outline of a Musical Play session – specifically for Junior School children who experience high anxiety.

Nov 26, 2020

Teachers... Are We Really Listening? | Musical Play

How often do we expect children to tune in and listen quietly – but we aren’t following the same rules? Below is what we encourage teache...

Nov 26, 2020

How to Support a Shy Child in Music Sessions | Musical Play

We are asked about how to support a shy child in music classes really frequently. So, here are some helpful guidelines to follow...

Nov 26, 2020

Do We Do-Re-Me? | Musical Play

We are often asked if we teach children using “solfeggio" or Do Re Me. The short answer is no – (sorry, Judi Dench).

Nov 26, 2020

Have You Ever Heard "You Didn't Get The Family Music Genes"? | Musical Play

This is an extremely subtle, yet incredibly damaging thing that happens to many, many children.

Nov 26, 2020

At Home Learning: Music Patterning | Musical Play

Here is a simple, yet effective, idea for at home learning with Musical Play. All you need is you, your wee one and a little creativity!

Nov 26, 2020

Why You Should Be Mindful of Background Music in Early Childhood Settings | Musical Play

Why do we suggest being mindful of background music and all music choices in early childhood settings? Teachers & parents take note...

Nov 26, 2020

10 Tips for Online Teaching You Wish You Knew Earlier | Musical Play

With this extraordinary year, I think we can all agree online teaching has been been a huge learning curve for everyone. But to make onli...

Nov 17, 2020

Musical Play Tip: Don't be Afraid of Repetition | Musical Play

Through our adult lens, musical repetition can sometimes seems, well... repetitive. But trust us, repetition is a good thing for the brai...

Nov 17, 2020

My Experience as a Musical Play Tutor | Musical Play

Reflections about Musical Play with the Children from James St Pre School – by Sara Marra.

Nov 17, 2020

An Exclusive Sneak Peek: Professional Development Evening | Musical Play

As part of the Musical Play programme at James Street Pre School, Julie Wylie gave an interactive training Professional Development eveni...

Nov 16, 2020

How to Easily Teach Children to Play the Blues | Musical Play

It is important to use a variety of musical genres in your Musical Play – so, here is how we incorporate the fun rhythmic sound of the blues

Nov 16, 2020

Chime Bar Notes to Familiar Songs | Musical Play

Children love to play their own compositions and simple songs. Here are the letter names of notes from the C major scale to help parents,...

Oct 1, 2020

7 Top Tips for the Best Teddy Bears Picnic | Musical Play

Teddies are wonderful for children’s Musical Play – teddies can line up, sit in a circle, dance with a partner and enjoy pretend picnic f...

Sep 30, 2020

Why Body Awareness Games are SO Important for Young Children | Musical Play

Did you know that singing body related pitch games can help children sing in tune? Here are a few ideas on how to incorporate body awaren...

Sep 30, 2020

Professional Development for Early Childhood Centres | Musical Play

Are you an Early Childhood educator? Julie Wylie frequently teaches Professional Development sessions for Early Childhood Centres.

Sep 30, 2020

10 Reasons Why Music Should Underpin Our School Curriculum | Musical Play

Here are ten – thought provoking and grounded – reasons why the Ministry of Education should develop a curriculum underpinned by music.

Sep 30, 2020

Dancing in a Circle: is it Educational or Just Fun? | Musical Play

Simply dancing in a circle can teach children an abundance of social and musical skills. Here is our best circle dancing tips and tricks.

Jul 29, 2020

Sparking Your Child's Creativity: How to Combine Painting & Music | Musical Play

Musical Play does not have to only be about music – it can involve any type of creativity, painting included! Here is how to easily inco...

Jul 26, 2020

How Singing Helps Children's Mental Health | Musical Play

There will always be new tools and ideas, and some will prove very valuable, but we should not let go of the well researched and time pro...