At Sunnyside Daycare in Pierrefonds, we believe that it is important to introduce children to a wide variety of music, not just the usual kid songs like “The Wheels on the Bus” or “The Itsy-Bitsy Spider.” Not only do we hope to instill a lifelong love and appreciate of music, but we also want children to be introduced to different cultures and values.
Dancing, singing, and using instruments are all different ways that children can learn to express themselves, and expression is a very important aspect of healthy development in the Reggio Emilia philosophies we follow.
From the Putumayo site:
An entertaining and educational musical expedition to Africa for children and families.
Putumayo’s award-winning Playground series of world music CDs for children travels to Africa, a continent that is exuberantly rich in music and culture. African Playground is filled with great songs by artists from Senegal to South Africa, including a previously unreleased track by world music superstar Angelique Kidjo. Children and their families will love the upbeat rhythms and appealing melodies on this musical tour. Parents and educators will appreciate the accessibly presented cultural information and musical fun facts. African Playground includes entertaining and informative multi-lingual liner notes, song lyrics, cultural information, a music glossary and colorful illustrations.
I highly recommend a break from your usual music selection (“Let it go, LET IT GO!!!”) to give this album a try.
You can buy the album on Amazon.ca.