Learning Through Music and Movement in not meant to replace conventional methods of teaching but rather to supplement, reinforce and add variety to educational programs.
Q: Can you tell us how the children appreciate your music, any interesting stories/incidents that you want to share?
Children have a natural affinity for rhythm and melody and really enjoy the opportunity to get up and move and be actively involved in the learning process. One of my first teaching jobs was in East Los Angeles at a school for what was then called “the trainable mentally retarded.” I soon discovered that there were many students who had remarkable pitch and rhythm. We formed a chorus and a rhythm band and the highlight was the students performance at a Lions Club luncheon.
Another moment that stands out has nothing to do with music. As a swim instructor for the YMCA, there was a child who was quite frightened of the water and clung to the side of the pool each lesson. Although we had a list of tasks we were supposed to check off for each student, my intuition told me to just hold him and walk around in the water. By the last lesson, he was comfortable letting go of the side, walking with me, and seemed to enjoy being in the water. Part of me is thinking, “I didn’t accomplish much with this child and was not a very good swim instructor.” Just then the father came up to me and expressed his appreciation for my patience with his son saying, “He almost drowned as a young child and has always been terrified of the water.” From this experience I learned that as a teacher, there are times you need to trust your intuition.
Q: What has been the most rewarding moment in your career so far?
Those moments when a passive audience is transformed into a joyful, focused group of active participants. I never know how a group of children or adults are going to react and when they respond enthusiastically it’s always a thrill (and relief!)
Q: Among all the songs you have written, which one is your personal favorite?
Songs are a bit like children. It’s hard to single out one as better than all the others. I see my songs as tools to help teachers and parents provide enjoyable ways for children to learn. So to ask what’s the best one is like asking what’s a better tool - a hammer or a saw? The tool that’s right for the job is the best one.
I’m usually most excited about the songs I’m working on presently. I recently completed two recordings, titled One Little Sound and Two Little Sounds, that deal with learning about phonics and numbers through music and movement.
Currently I am working on singing some of my songs in Spanish. The title of the recording will be:
Let's Have Fun Learning With Hap Palmer
Divirtámonos aprendiendo con Hap Palmer