early childhood music
at home. This activity also provides an opportunity to discuss the sensation, both emotional and physical, elicited by the contrasting melodies.
Justice
“Students will analyze the harmful im- pact of bias and injustice on the world, historically and today.” (Justice Anchor Standards, Learning for Justice)
Some historical events are very painful to explain to a young child, but it is vital to do so, and to do it well. When learning about injustice, it is important to address the emotions. This will also stimulate em- pathy. A great example is teaching about the displacement of the Native Nations and its devastating consequences. The book kimotinâniwiw itwêwina (Stolen Words) explores the pain of losing the Cree lan- guage and other cultural devastation that originated at the residential schools. Fol- low this reading with the listening of the Whipping Song, and a discussion about the pain expressed in this song. This must be a carefully guided listening and discus-
sion to avoid nervous, uncomfortable or disrespectful reactions to such an unfamil- iar singing for most students. But the way the music gives life to the painful emotions would help students understand the pain that injustices cause. You can close with the improvisation of rhythmic or melodic patterns that express contrasting emotions.
Action
Students will make principled decisions about when and how to take a stand against bias and injustice in their everyday lives and will do so despite negative peer or group pressure.
A skillfully guided exploration of the ways in which we can show respect, curiosity and appreciation for the different cultures brought to life in the described activities is an example of basic actions that stand against bias and discrimination. Even at an early age there is so much that can be done, that I hope these suggestions are only the starting point in your creative learning process about social justice in the early childhood music classroom.
References:
Learning for Justice. (July 2021). Social Justice Standards. https://www.
learningforjustice.org/frameworks/ social-justice-standards.
Florence, M. (2019). kimotinâniwiw itwêwina (Stolen Words). (G. Grimard, illus., D. Sand, trans.). Second Story Press.
Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. (2021, July). “The Whipping Song: Sung by Cree, Sioux, and Assinboine.”
https://folkways.si.edu/ cree-sioux-and-assiniboine- indians-during-a-performance-at-a- pow-wow-in-the-quappelle-valley/ the-whipping-song-sung-by-cree-sioux- and-assinboine/world/music/track/ smithsonian.
Beatriz E. Aguilar, Ph.D., is professor and the Division of the Arts Music Department chair at Edgewood College, Madison. Email:
baguilar@edgewood.edu
Join the Excitement! Experience the 36th
Annual WSMA State Marching Band Championships
See more than 30 of Wisconsin’s finest marching bands, plus special exhibition performances by UW-Whitewater’s Warhawk Marching Band under the direction of Dr. Glenn Hayes.
Go to
wsmamusic.org to preview the complete schedule and to purchase tickets. Adults
Saturday, October 16, 2021 Students
$15.00 online $16.00 at gate
Wisconsin School Musician
(including students with valid college ID) $8.00 online
$9.00 at gate Seniors
$8.00 online $9.00 at gate
Arrive early for best seats! (Ticket windows open 45 minutes before the first performance) 55
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