ABSTRACT
There is a considerable amount of material available for the practitioner who wants to include music in the curriculum, but it is not always easy to access or clear to follow. This chapter considers the theory behind the different areas of development based on the acronym SPACE (social, physical, academic, creative, emotional), chosen because of the importance of children moving when learning. Developing personal and social skills pays huge dividends in helping children learn how to learn, as well as making behaviour management easier. A comparative model for early childhood music could arguably involve similar levels of impact. It takes some practice to use gross motor movement to teach, but music can be used effectively to manage the behaviour of a group. Salovey and Mayer described four essential components included in the skill of emotional intelligence. Different formations are used in the songs introducing children to the experience of shapes and spatial relationships that is essential for optimal mental development.
