Music and Dance Education: A Missing Piece in Preschool and Transitional Kindergarten?

LOS ANGELES - EntSun -- Early Exposure, Lifelong Benefits

A recent Los Angeles Times article explored the complexities of choosing between preschool (PreK) and transitional kindergarten (TK) for children. However, Laura Porter, a professional musician, early childhood music educator, and co-founder of Bloom Arts, believes a crucial element was missing: music and dance education.

Early Exposure, Lifelong Benefits

Bloom Arts, a non-profit organization, brings inclusive, multicultural music and dance education to underserved schools across Los Angeles. Their focus is on early childhood, where research shows access to music and dance provides both immediate and lasting benefits.

"Our goal is not to create performers," explains Porter. "Instead, we aim to teach foundational skills like pulse, rhythm, and singing on pitch. These seemingly simple activities, like tapping to a beat, leads to improved pre-literacy skills and increased self-regulation in young children."

More on EntSun News

• Frederick Speaker Series Announces Lineup for 13th Season
• Top Dentist In Denver, Sloan's Lake Dental, Surpasses 600 5-Star Reviews While Redefining Compassionate Care
• HELLHOUND ON MY TRAIL | Saturday, August 23 | The Oriental Theater | Denver, CO
• The 17th annual Hola México Film Festival, presented by Toyota, will feature the opening night screening of the film "Autos, Mota y Rocanrol."
• The Secret to Consistent Sales? It's Not More Leads—It's a Repeatable System

Transformative Impact on Young Learners

Bloom Arts' Early Childhood Music and Dance Educators work in over 200 classes per week in Preschool, Transitional Kindergarten and Elementary schools across LA. They've witnessed firsthand the transformative impact these classes have on children.

"We've seen significant improvements in social-emotional learning, cognitive skills, empathy, and more," says Porter. "Music and dance education fosters a sense of safety, introduces different cultures, and empowers differently-abled learners to express themselves in new ways."

Choosing the Right Program

Parents can assess their prospective preschool or TK program's commitment to music and dance. Here are some tips:

• Frequency: Look for a program offering music or dance classes at least 30 minutes per week.
• Integration: See how the program incorporates music and dance throughout the day, building community and reinforcing learning.
• In-Classroom Observation: Observe teachers using music and movement during transitions, modulating their voices while reading, and utilizing musical props.

A Joyful Head Start

More on EntSun News

• Jerry S. Gonzalez to Make Feature Debut with Puppet-Fueled Horror Comedy from Candy House Production
• HAR Dental Integrates X-Guide Technology for Precision Implant Surgery
• The World's No.1 Superstar™ Drops "Visual Music 101"
• BitTitan Appoints Florent Aonon to Lead EMEA Sales Amid Continued Global Growth
• The GENIUS Act Kicks Off a New Era of Compliance — WinnerMining Helps XRP & ETH Holders Passively Grow Their Assets

"A preschool or TK program that values music and dance gives children a joyful, powerful head start," concludes Porter. "So, consider adding it to your list of criteria when choosing a program for your child."

About Bloom Arts Foundation

Bloom Arts is a non-profit organization dedicated to making inclusive, multicultural music and dance education accessible to Preschool aged students all the way up to 6th graders across Los Angeles County.

URL: https://bloomartsfoundation.org/