Books, language and music
When children experience music, language and literature they are learning about the language and symbols of their own and other cultures. As they listen to and use language, they extend their vocabulary and develop skills in expressing feelings, asking questions, negotiating, planning and reasoning.
Children gradually develop the understanding that symbols can be read by others and that thoughts, experiences and ideas can be represented through words, pictures, print, numbers, sounds, and shapes. Verbal and non-verbal communication skills for a range of purposes are developed.
Children's emotional well-being is nurtured as they experience books, language and music in a warm, safe environment. They learn that books and language are fun.
Some ways for adults to support children's learning
- Provide a range of books that reflect the lives and cultures of the children and the wider community they live in. Make them readily available
- Provide a range of musical resources including tapes, musical instruments and puppets. Make them readily available
- Give opportunities for children to hear stories, poems, chants and songs throughout the session
- Talk to children about what you are reading, using language that encourages children to reflect, predict, plan, and reason.
In this section