[HANASHIR:16425] Re: Early Childhood Developmentally Appropriate Practice

[Barton1320 <Barton1320...>]

Adrian, thank you.  As I was reading through the comments relating to the 
Dinosaur Song string, I was beginning to feel a little foolish about my attempt 
to teach Sunday School music.  I don't have much of a singing voice, my guitar 
playing is limited to about 8 chords, and, although I can sightread piano 
music, I find it too distracting to use a keyboard in class.  On top of that, 
my 
knowledge of Jewish music is limited, especially by this list's standards, 
although I add to my library on a regular basis.  What I do have is a love of 
Jewish (and secular music), a strong desire to pass that love on to the 
children in
 our congregation, and what I believe is exceptional enthusiasm for a 53 year 
old.  But what I have read here is that I may not be qualified to share this 
enthusiasm with our youngsters, which is sad.  

I have communicated with many of you privately, requesting permission to use 
your music in my classes, learning more about Tot Shabbat programs, and 
finding more ideas to use in class.  You have been wonderful.  And no one has 
asked 
what my qualifications as a music professional were (which is good, as I'm not 
a music professional).  However, the recent discourse over music quality has 
caused me to question my validity as a teacher (or perhaps simply a 
facilitator)...which is why, Adrian, I was so thankful for your post.  

Both sides of this issue have credance.  When I first started teaching, most 
of our students were in pre-K and Kindergarten (we are a fairly new 
congregation with very young couples).  So these children started out with Bim 
Bam, The 
Latke Song, a lot of Ellen's Tot Shabbat music and a lot of Judy Ginsburg's 
early childhood music.  I chose songs that I could handle musically and that I 
felt the children could learn and understand.  And also music that made the 
kids feel good, want to sing and participate in, and most of all, that made 
them 
smile.  And the kids loved it!  They would sing these songs at home.  Their 
parents would approach me and ask, "What is this song about the round cookies 
and the triangle cookies?" or "My kids are singing something about what you do 
when you're a Jew.  What is that?"  I think this is wonderful.  I think this is 
learning.  And now, two years later, these same children are learning L'chah 
Dodi, Oseh Shalom, Mi Chamocha.  And they sing with enthusiasm!  They perform 
these prayers and songs at Shabbat services and are marvelous (even with my 
pathetic guitar playing).  

I think I've strayed.  What I was trying to say is that, as there is a place 
in Jewish music education for a wide variety of music, there is also a place 
for teachers/educators/facilitators with varying credentials and experience.  

You have all been my teachers, and I'm grateful to have found this list.  I 
also relish the differences in opinion.  There have been some fascinating 
discussions in this group.  I'm afraid I simply took this one a little 
personally.  
OK...over it.

B'Shalom,

Linda Barton
Sunday School Music Teacher
Congregation B'nai Dorot
Alpharetta, GA