Getting the Most Out of School What you can do to help
I think that it is extremely important to talk to your child's teacher about music in class. Rebecca is 7 years old and her teacher tells me that she seems to really enjoy music activities with the rest of the class.
Carol Miller, Parent
Talking to the teacher will help you to understand
your child's attitude to music in school and raise your own awareness
and understanding of the National Curriculum. You will then be in
a position to find out if there is anything you can do at home to
support your child's music education. Here are some questions you
may wish to ask:
What progress is my child making in music lessons?
How will my child be assessed?
Can you suggest ways that I could support my child's learning at home?
Is there anything that my child needs to improve on?
Are they working well with their classmates in their music lessons?
Talk to your child about their progress in music. Choosing your time carefully, show your interest by asking a few questions. When you talk to them gauge whether or not they seem enthusiastic about their lessons. Remember that children are not all the same - like all of us, they enjoy different things. Asking about group activities may give you some clues about how they get on with their classmates. Praise their achievements and remind them that we all have different strengths and weaknesses. Over time, your questions could include:
What are you doing in class at the moment?
What do you like doing most in your music class?
What do you like least?
Do you get on with your teacher?
Do you understand everything you are taught?
Would you like to learn an instrument?
Is there anything you would like to do that might help you - e.g go and see a particular musical performance?
What music do you and your friends like?
Do you enjoy working with the other children in your class?
Every child is unique and develops at his or her own pace. The information in BBC Parents' Music Room is for information and guidance only and should not be treated as a substitute for medical, legal or other professional advice.
