Page:The Elementary Worker and his Work.djvu/89

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

84 ELEMENTARY WORKER AND HIS WORK

however, that the child may be so absorbed in making the motion as to lose the thought which is back of it, if he tries to sing and go through the motion at the same time Motions can be very helpfully used in teaching the Pon to song, and the children enjoy making them, as the Moron o teacher sings the song or the instrument plays it. When, however, the song is sung by the children, the use of motions must be carefully guarded both for their effect upon the voice, while singing, and for the sake of the impression desired from the words.


IV. Instrumental Music

Music other than the songs is needed in the Beginners' Department. Soft music for quieting, and clear, distinct music, with marked rhythm, for marching, haw a neces Corn- sary place. The very best music may be chosen vorm to for these purposes, since children can feel the influence of rich harmony and beautiful tones, when they can not at all comprehend it intellectually. Such masters as Mozart, Beethoven, Hayden, Schubert, and Rubenstelh have messages for the emotions, if not the intellect, of even a little child.

V. Sources of Good Music for Beginners' Departments

Every Beginners' teacher, as has already been suggested, sluld make her own song book, if she desires the best. Songs culled from different sources will, in time, make a valuable collection of children's music. New books of varying degrees of excellence are constantly appearing, and a complete llst of even the best is well-nigh impossible to give. The following books, however, are suggested as illustrating high standards in children's music, by which other collectious may be judged:

Songs for Little People ............... Frances W. Danlelson

Song Stories for the Sunday School...Mildred and Patty Hill