By Anna Ong
At Little Seeds Preschool (Church of the Ascension), music lessons are more than just singing songs; they are an exciting journey into self-expression, creativity, and teamwork. At the heart of our approach is the Orff Schulwerk method, which encourages children to explore music in a playful, hands-on way. This child-centered philosophy not only teaches music but also fosters confidence, imagination, collaboration, and a love for performance.
What makes Orff Schulwerk unique?
Developed by composer Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman, Orff Schulwerk is a child-centered approach to music education. It integrates singing, movement, speech, and instruments to help children experience music as a natural form of expression. Instead of focusing on technical perfection, it emphasizes exploration, improvisation, and collaboration
At LSP (COA), this philosophy comes to life in every lesson. Children actively participate, singing, chanting, clapping, and stomping to rhythms while experimenting with instruments like xylophones, resonator bells, and percussion. This hands-on experience helps them internalize musical concepts in a way that feels like play.
A peek into our music classroom
Imagine a room filled with eager children tapping rhythms on drums, clicking rhythm sticks to a nursery rhyme, or dancing to a folk song. Our lessons begin with a welcome song that greets each child by name, building confidence and connection. Then, simple activities like clapping, tapping, and stomping allow children to explore rhythms and musical form through play.
Next, the Orff instruments – xylophones, glockenspiels, resonator bells, and more – are introduced. These instruments, perfect for little hands, allow children to create melodies, experiment with patterns, and even improvise. Every lesson is an adventure in sound and expression.
But it does not stop there. Movement is at the heart of our lessons too. Children twirl scarves to a melody, dance joyfully to a folk song, or act out a story through movement. This playful activity helps them understand concepts like tempo, dynamics, and phrasing – all while having fun.
By the end of each lesson, the children collaborate on a mini performance. Whether it’s a folk dance or a simple ensemble piece, the sense of teamwork and accomplishment shines brightly.
From classroom to stage
The magic of Orff Schulwerk extends beyond the classroom into vibrant on-stage performances where children showcase what they’ve learned through play, music and movement. These are not just typical recitals – they are vibrant celebrations where every child takes centre stage and contributes to the music.
For example, in our 2024 graduation performance, children transformed gym balls into instruments, tapping, marching, jumping, and moving rhythmically. In another ensemble piece, children performed a two-part arrangement on bass xylophones, alto xylophones, glockenspiel, and resonator bells. The result was a performance full of energy, vibrancy, and joy!
What makes these performances extraordinary is that they are rooted in the children’s own ideas. They take ownership by suggesting movements, crafting rhythms, and contributing their unique touches to the performance. This collaborative process not only nurtures their confidence but also amazes parents, who marvel how much their little ones have grown.
What our parents say
Orff Schulwerk nurtures the whole child. This unique approach helps children develop essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem solving, all while sparking a lifelong love for music.
At LSP COA, we have seen countless children blossom – not just as budding musicians, but also as imaginative and confident individuals.
K2 Parent Francesca Li said, “My once-shy child, who dreaded waking up for school, now eagerly jumps out of bed each morning. Through music, she has found a purpose, and her joy is evident as she confidently sings and performs for her family.”
Senior Preschool Educator Mrs Kattie Koh said, “Even the most reserved children light up when they pick up an instrument or take part in a group activity, finding their voice in unexpected ways.”
“Some of the children with more energy found it hard to sit still at first. But as the lesson progressed, they learnt how to be focused, keeping a steady beat on their percussion instruments and waiting patiently for their turn in the ensemble. I could see how the structure of the music lesson was helping them learn to listen, concentrate, take turns, and stay in control in such a fun and natural way. It was amazing to observe how music provides such a joyful tool for children to develop self-regulation and control over their impulses.”
The enthusiasm and energy children bring to each lesson and performance highlight the incredible value of the Orff Schulwerk method. As Carl Orff said, “Tell me, I forget. Show me, I remember. Involve me, I understand.”
By involving children in exploration, play, and creation, we don’t just teach music – we help them thrive. They develop skills and a passion for music that will stay with them for life. At LSP (COA), we are proud to help children discover their potential, one note at a time!
To find out more about our preschools, visit https://littleseeds.edu.sg/.
Anna Ong is Lead Preschool Educator of Anglican Preschool Services.
