After reading all the of the posts...I'm really excited to start my new job teaching music in a daycare...in two weeks. Like some of you the director at this daycare (actually 4 locations) wants a focus teaching music concepts age appropriate of course. Thank you all so much for the wonderful resources..I have lots of homework to do.

However they also want me to teach in the infant class 12 months to 18 months...which I've never done...obviously music concepts won't apply...but anyone have any suggestions on good music and movement...again they don't want me to just teach songs. Here I need all the help I can get.

Thank you and HELP!!!

I'd run, don't walk, to buy some of John Feierabend's books, particularly:

Bounces
Wiggles & Tickles
Tapping & Clapping

All contain appropriate activities and songs for ages 0-2. Music in Motion has them, or go to the GIA site for more info:

http://www.giamusic.com/scstore/P-classicsongsandrhymes.html

I have not seen his "First Steps in Music for Infants & Toddlers" (birth-36 months), but I've seen a few of his related books at the library. You may find his older "Music for Very Little People: for Infants & Toddlers" at the library also.

Here's an article he wrote that may also give you some direction:

http://www.giamusic.com/music_education/feierabend/articles/infants.html

Wow, what an exciting challenge! Good luck!

I do music classes for all ages, and in fact spoke recently at a conference for preschool owners and teachers on the topic of music for babies up to 24 months. If you would like, I could send you the handout I put together for the attendees. It has some basic info on the why & how of music for young children, and several pages of specific activities for that age. Just last weekend I did a similar presentation for the same organization, but this time the topic was music for ages 2-3, and in May I'm doing one for 4-5 year olds. PM me with your email address and/or mailing address if you'd like my handouts.

John, will definitely be taking your advice...I'm running to order those books.

Pianoannie I would appreciate anything you can send me.

It's official...I got the job today and I start next Monday....this is big for me as I have 3 children who are costing me a fortune so the $$$ will help and besides I truly enjoy a challeng and little children.

I'll keep you all posted.

Musica2,
I'll need your email address so I can send you my stuff.
pianoannie
PS Congrats on the job!