may occur spontaneously throughout the day; be part of planned, child-directed learning centers; or be taught through teacher-directed instruction.
For example, in a 1966 issue, Charity Bailey offered tips for ways that educators could use their observations of children’ s interests, strengths, and areas of growth to plan music-focused activities. Even those without musical training could teach songs, offer listening activities, and provide instruments for children to play while also allowing time for children’ s spontaneous singing and movement. Bailey suggested a variety of music formats, such as songs with repeated phrases and / or parts children could sing themselves, singing games, songs with actions, and music with different rhythms to encourage different kinds of movement.
Music as a Pedagogical Tool
Throughout the years, NAEYC journals have highlighted the ways that music can support children’ s learning across the curriculum. Articles have also referenced ways that educators can integrate music into their routines and have introduced teachers to music pioneers and resources. The following table provides an example of just some of the many articles found in NAEYC’ s archives.
Area of Focus Title and Author Journal Issue
Curricular connections
“ Music in the Beginning Reading Program,” by Lisa Kuhmerker
Young Children, January 1969
“ The Pied Pipers of Poetry,” by Verna Hildebrand and Rebecca Peña Hines
Young Children, January 1981
“ Kaleidoscope: How a Creative Arts Enrichment Program Prepares Children for Kindergarten,” by M. Elizabeth Armstead
Young Children, November 2007
“ Penguins, Chicks, and Caves: Journal Notes on Moving from STEM to STEAM” by Mimi Brodsky Chenfeld
Teaching Young Children, Winter 2023
Learning routines
“ Teaching Young Children to Become Better Listeners,” by Mary Renck Jalongo
Young Children, January 1996
“ Achieving Best Practices in Infant and Toddler Care and Education,” by Mary Benson McMullen
Young Children, July 1999
Educator supports“¡ Vamos a cantar! Let’ s Sing! Meet Children’ s Musicians José- Luis Orozco and Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band,” by Susan Friedman
Young Children, March 2015
“ Now Sing This: Ella Jenkins,” by NAEYC
Teaching Young Children, August / September 2018
NAEYC Member Spotlight.“ Naomi Black”
Young Children, September 2020
58 Young Children
Spring 2026