My DS6 is gifted. His brother (three in May) has shown similar aptitudes; although more on the creative side than my oldest. The person who cares for him has discussed with me some of the "divergent" thinking processes and wants to ensure she is meeting his needs. She is not educated in teaching gifted preschoolers and has stated such, but she is educated in child development and is open to learning new strategies to help gifted kids. Given the recent battles with DS6s school environment, she's nothing short of amazing and it's such a relief to have someone who WANTS to learn and figure out the best ways to meet his needs.
When DS3 was a newborn, he would sit for at least an hour very alert while my husband played guitar to him. He has always been very in tune with music. At 2, he would point out differences and attach emotion to songs. He would say, "that's scary music," or "that's sad music." He makes up his own lyrics to songs (a trait he gathers from DH) and quickly memorizes lyrics to songs.
So...after reading an article about divergent thinking I sent to her (I'm so thankful to have someone who actually reads some of the info I send them), she has suggested playing to his musical strengths and has asked for some ideas. She's done a search but hasn't really found much. Does anyone here have suggestions on ways she can incorporate music into her curriculum? She spends a little circle time in the morning and does a lesson plan, but much of what she teaches is done through play. I'm not really looking for "get him some of those little kid instruments." I guess I'm looking for ways to incorporate music into what she's already doing. Does that make sense? Any thoughts? Thanks!
