Folk Songs From Around The World
Seventeen pieces of music from different cultures, collected by Sanford Jones. 19 pages, soft cover, 1980 edition. It is a book of songs rather than a book about music, which makes it usable by an adult who can carry a tune and has never read theory. A CD of children's and folk songs from around the world is also in the catalogue as a separate item, for a room where nobody plays an instrument. Paper and cardstock.
“Children display a universal love of mathematics, which is par excellence the science of precision, order, and intelligence.”
Folk Songs From Around The World serves as a bridge between the child's concrete experiences and the abstract concept of global diversity.
- Develops awareness of global cultural diversity through musical expression
- Builds rhythmic competence and melodic memory through repeated singing
- Strengthens language development through exposure to varied linguistic patterns
- Cultivates respect for different cultural traditions and customs
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This illustrated songbook responds to the three to six-year-old's absorbent mind by presenting cultural knowledge through melody and rhythm, elements the young child naturally gravitates toward. The songbook's globe-centered cover immediately communicates its purpose: connecting children to human communities beyond their immediate environment. Each folk song within these pages represents a living tradition, allowing children to experience cultural diversity through their senses rather than explanation. The songbook transforms abstract geographical concepts into tangible experiences through singing, movement, and visual imagery. By engaging with folk songs from various continents, children internalize the reality that people everywhere create music, yet express themselves uniquely. This songbook addresses the young child's need to understand their place within the broader human family while respecting the developmental requirement for concrete, sensorial learning experiences.
How to present it
Follow the Montessori method of presentation for optimal child development.
Place the songbook on a low shelf at child's eye level. Create a dedicated music area with a small rug or cushions where children can gather. Have a globe or world map nearby for geographical reference.
- 1
Invite a small group to the music area and present the songbook's cover, drawing attention to the dancing children around the globe
Let children identify familiar elements in the illustration before opening the book - 2
Choose one song and locate its country of origin on the globe, then sing or play the melody once while children listen
Start with songs from continents children have already explored in other cultural materials - 3
Teach the song phrase by phrase, incorporating any traditional movements or gestures described
Demonstrate movements slowly and allow children time to coordinate singing with motion - 4
Repeat the song together several times, encouraging children to move freely to the rhythm
Accept all attempts at pronunciation, focus on participation over perfection
Every Child Is a Little Creator
Heritage
Since 1929
Brands used by
schools worldwide
European brands
AMI
Endorsed
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