Music is an art that offers many proven benefits for the learning and development of the child. Research has shown that exposure to music from early childhood helps children speak with clearer articulation, develop varied vocabulary and grow depth in socio-emotional understanding. Music can also energise, induce relaxation and stimulate the mind. How then can music be used to teach God’s truths in a seamless and holistic manner?
To this end, Methodist Preschool Services Pte Ltd (MPSPL) and Methodist School of Music (MSM) have teamed up to develop a faith-based music programme called the Methodist Music Odyssey (MMO). The pilot programme began in February this year for the K1 level and is slated to roll out at all MPSPL-managed preschools at both the K1 and K2 levels in 2024.
Inspired by the Kodály concept of music education that promotes a holistic development of the child’s ear, mind, hands and heart, the MMO seeks to address cognitive, physical, socio-emotional, moral and spiritual development whilst growing the child’s musical aptitude and ability. The curriculum is built to incorporate games and movement activities in music learning that inspire engagement while addressing important growth areas such as joint attention, gross and fine motor movement, spatial awareness and linguistic ability. Children are exposed to, learn to identify and have hands-on experience with different musical instruments. All these elements will help to form a firm foundation that will equip them well for music lessons in Primary school.
Singing is a distinguishing factor of the Methodist tradition, with over 6,000 hymns penned by the Wesley brothers. In the hope that our children will embody this heritage, the MMO—intended to be a signature programme for MPSPL-managed preschools—is thus designed to be a singing-based programme. Christian hymns, songs and stories are used as vessels for teaching musical concepts. Lessons are designed to reflect the liturgical seasons of the Church year in song, allowing children to experience with the universal Church the cycle of awe, meditation, and triumph in unpacking the life and ministry of Jesus, as biblical truths and values are seamlessly internalised during MMO lessons.
The values inculcated during MMO lessons are directed by a biblical compass, piling the child’s foundation with a knowledge of God, good character traits and moulding the child’s perspective on life—all of which articulate the vision of MPSPL and The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS). The programme’s learning outcomes are also aligned with MOE’s Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) Curriculum Framework for kindergartens in Singapore.
