Children’s songs and games are seen to be an integral part of music education. Games are used at all levels to enhance learning and enjoyment – from simple children’s games to others which develop and test much more advanced music concepts. Rhythm skills are developed through movement and time names; pitch skills are developed through solfa and hand signs. Taught by expert-in-her-field and tertiary-qualified Gail Godfrey, the classes follow a research-based curriculum that is developmentally appropriate while providing fun and stimulation.
Extracurricular Experiences
Brookes Street provides a holistic view toward education that extends beyond traditional literacy and numeracy skills and embrace a connection between mind, body and spirit.
Music
Mindfulness and Yoga
Introducing children to yoga at an early age can help them learn healthy lifestyle habits and set the foundation for a fit future. Benefits of yoga include increased balance, co-ordination, flexibility and inner strength. Yoga is also great for children’s overall well-being, as they develop awareness of their bodies, awareness of their breath and begin to develop awareness of their thoughts.
Language
Global research studies have shown that children who have learned a second language at a young age demonstrate cognitive advantages, strong problem-solving skills, enhanced memory, and creativity. It can also help children tackle abstract concepts, aid their complex decision making skills, and has even been shown to boost their literacy outcomes of the learner’s first language. At Brookes Street Early Education, we see these language experiences as a fun way for children to engage with cultures different to their own.
Artist in Residence
Our Artist in Residence, Casselle Mountford has been working as a visual artist for over 20 years. She has taught art in schools and facilitated art workshops with students from early childhood through to high school. Casselle’s creative practice spans sculpture, weaving, ceramics, lantern making and environmental installations.
Children are eager explorers – explorers with an intense desire and will to make sense of their world. Some of the most effective means they have for explaining things to themselves are drawing, painting, designing sculptures, working with clay. While using these materials to make their ideas visible, children are able to communicate their thoughts to others as well as to themselves.
