Music and movement are important parts of an early childhood curriculum. This semester I am teaching a curriculum class. We are discussing ways to support learning and development through curriculum. Content areas like music and movement are part of the curriculum in early childhood education. The creative arts is a language for children to express themselves (Macy et al., 2017). Young children respond to opportunities to move and participate in musical adventures as discussed with Dr. Timothy Askew on episode 48 of the BUTTERCUP podcast.
Dr. Askew shared why it is important to take children on location where music and the arts on celebrated. For example, concerts can inspire children and adults alike. Going on location expands ideas. Field trips can create new ways of thinking.
One of the things I love about about the place is that in the heart of Reggio Emilia there is an opera house. If you are in the neighborhood on a Saturday morning, it is worth your time to go on the one-hour tour of Il Teatro Valli. Gain inspiration for ways to include music with children. Share different types of music that could also include opera, classical, jazz, and more. Children with and without disabilities benefit from opportunities for an enriching curriculum (Landini & Macy, 2025; Regalla et al., 2024).
From the lobby of Il Teatro Valli in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Taking a selfie in the Reggio Emilia opera house.
The magnifico ceiling at Il Teatro Valli.
Il Teatro Valli entrance faces piazza with fountains.
Our tour guide explaining the stage at Il Teatro Valli.
Reflection of the Reggio Emilia clock and bell tower from the doors of Il Teatro Valli.
View of the stage from an entrance to the theatre.
Il Teatro Valli in Reggio Emilia, Italia.
My daughter painting the air with beautiful sounds of music.
References
Landini, A. & Macy, M. (2025). Early childhood inclusion in Italy. Infants and Young Children: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Special Care Practices, 38(4), 322-333. https://doi.org/10.1097/IYC.0000000000000302
Macy, M. (Host). (2022, September 1). Lift Every Voice and Sing with Dr. Timothy Almon Askew [Podcast]. BUTTERCUP https://youtu.be/lyprCD30VGs?si=4uAUY9D26cB1xjY4
Macy, M., Zhang, B., Ji, Y., & Macy, R. (2017). Authentic assessment to measure outcomes in creative arts. NHSA Dialog: Research-to-Practice for the Early Education Field, 20(1), 83-95. https://doi.org/10.55370/hsdialog.v20i1.748
Regalla, M., Peker, H., & Macy, M. (2024). An examination of an inclusive French immersion program and preschoolers’ executive functioning skills. Foreign Language Annals (of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) Foreign Language Annals (of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages), 57, 1000-1025. https://doi:10.1111/flan.12773