Appropriate Practices

I went to a preschool holiday music program yesterday. It was wonderful. Not wonderful in the sense that it was high entertainment with children performing a professional program. It was wonderful because it was so appropriate for 3-5 year-olds. The children sang a few short songs, with actions, that the children enjoyed singing. There was no teacher yelling for the children to sing louder, no flashy memorized synchronized dance moves or sparkling outfits. The songs displayed children being children, singing about snowmen, doing the chicken dance and waving at grandma. I applaud that group of teachers for creating an activity that was appropriate and enjoyable for children. After all, it is not the product that helps children grow, it is the process.