We are nearly 7 weeks into our homeschool year. Things are humming right along.
The kids have each completed 25 math lessons, multiple spelling tests, grammar lessons, map tracings, flash card memorizations, and writing assignments.
If you look at it on paper, my kids are getting all of those academic boxes checked off (and with gusto, I might add).
I'm sure many of you are like me - you LOVE that feeling of progressing through a curriculum with success.
I have to remind myself, however, that success doesn't come in the form of academic boxes being checked. It doesn't come with a high average in Saxon Math (although my 7th grader might argue with me there!).
Success (for me) comes in having children who are compassionate, respectful, contemplative, and cognizant of the beauty of God's creation.
One way to instill this love of beauty in our home is through MUSIC. It's what I know and love.
I want to ask you:
Are You Forgetting Music In Your Homeschool?
Music doesn't have to be forgotten! I have made it my mission to help homeschool families incorporate QUALITY music into their daily lives.
You don't have to take your children to expensive private lessons.
You don't have to enroll them in your local homeschool band or orchestra.
You don't have to purchase a year long music curriculum.
{While all of these things would certainly benefit your child, they aren't necessary!}
The biggest thing you need to do with your children is LISTEN.
Listen to beautiful music. Listen with critical ears. Listen, and then talk about what you heard. Listen for appreciation of beauty!
I want you to try something: Grab a child (or children) and have them lay on the floor with their eyes closed. Better yet: Can you go outside (with your computer or tablet) and lay in the fresh fall air?
Tell them you are going to play a piece of music for them entitled "Autumn" by Antonio Vivaldi. Play the following YouTube video for them and ask them to listen to the music without making any sound. (The listening selection is only 5 minutes long, which may seem like an eternity to some wiggly listeners. If this is the case, encourage them to listen for as long as they are able.)
After the first listening, ask your children some questions about the music:
- What instruments did you hear? (This is a string quartet - 4 instruments - 2 violions, a viola and a cello.)
- What was the speed/tempo of the music? (This movement is ALLEGRO - which means fast or lively.)
- How did the music make you feel? (Answers will vary here!)
- Can you get a picture in your head while you are listening? What is it?
Next, listen again to the music and talk about it as your are listening, using the above questions as a guide.
Encourage your children to draw pictures to go with the music. Maybe your writers want to write a story to go with the music.
Learn about the composer, Antonio Vivaldi.
Did you know there is a poem that goes with Autumn, from The Four Seasons?
The peasant celebrates with song and dance the harvest safely gathered in.
The cup of Bacchus flows freely, and many find their relief in deep slumber.
The singing and the dancing die away
as cooling breezes fan the pleasant air,
inviting all to sleep
without a care.
The hunters emerge at dawn,
ready for the chase,
with horns and dogs and cries.
Their quarry flees while they give chase.
Terrified and wounded, the prey struggles on,
but, harried, dies?
I've found that through repeated exposure to beautiful music, and being gently guided in that listening, children's knowledge and appreciation of great music blossoms.
What better gift is there to give your children?
I've put together a music appreciation curriculum, SQUILT, that uses these exact principles to gently and simply guide your children through listening to music. (I also happen to think it's a lot of fun for the kids!).
Each volume of SQUILT contains 10 lessons that expose your children to pieces of music I consider to be "epic" in their respective era. The curriculum is 100% internet linked, so there is no need to purchase music or do any preparation.
I have done all of the work for you. All you need is an internet connection, a computer or tablet, and basic school supplies.
From a new SQUILT user:
"Mary, we did our first SQUILT lesson today. Thanks so much for this wonderful resource. I wasn't sure how much my 6 year old would appreciate the music. But he did stay quiet and listen to the music. We talked through dynamics, mood, rhythm, and instrumentation. Then we watched the video. He was excited to see the orchestra playing some of the instruments he had picked out from listening to it. Thanks again!"
See for yourself... visit the SQUILT website to learn more, download samples, and read testimonials.
And here's a secret: I've created a fall discount code. Upon checkout simply enter the code FALL2013 and you will receive 20% off your purchase of your entire order. This discount is good until Wednesday, October 9, 2013.
Do you incorporate music into your homeschool day?
Are you a SQUILT user?
I'd love to hear from you!