http://www.nafme.org/singing-early-childhood-create-musical-thinkers/
The authors speak from the teacher perspective about the importance of singing and listening to students in early childhood classes in order to inspire them musically and, in turn, be inspired by them. This article struck me as something I employ both as a teacher and as a parent. As the article states, I often find myself proudly and energetically singing songs with my daughter and son that are their favorites, but not necessarily mine (Old McDonald, anyone?). While I do find joy in sharing my personal musical tastes with them (everything from Bach to Beatles, from Beach Boys to Beyonce), I agree that it's important to allow them the freedom to share their voices by singing songs that they know and love on a regular basis...which is why I've had the Mary Poppins soundtrack on repeat in my car for several weeks now!
Enjoy this article, and whether you're a teacher or a parent, and whether you feel like you have a lovely voice or are hesitant to sing out loud, JUST SING WITH YOUR KIDS. They love hearing you sing, no matter what you sound like (I promise) and who knows...you just might have a blast doing it!
