The LISTEN, LIKE, LEARN approach of teaching music to young children, was developed by Barbara Cass-Beggs.It’s basic principles are:
- First, children they must LISTEN, as music is a listening subject.
- Then they must LIKE listening; otherwise they will not learn.
- From listening and liking they will LEARN.
In Barbara’s words: “Your child must like music before he/she can learn it. The earlier she learns to listen to music and enjoy it, the more she is likely to benefit. (Cass-Beggs 1986, 13). “The basic elements of the LISTEN, LIKE, LEARN program are the basic elements of music, which are: singing, movement, rhythm and melody, and these elements can only be introduced successfully if, at the same time, the children are learning to listen” (Cass-Beggs 1986, 21).
Music stimulates movement, which is essential for baby’s physical and mental development. Singing to a baby triggers speech and encourages auditory discrimination. Classes using the LISTEN, LIKE, LEARN approach involve listening, moving, singing and participating in ways that encourage experimentation with sound, and using a variety of percussive and melodic instruments. Although music is the medium, the underlying aim of these classes is to assist the development of the WHOLE child so that s/he can gain a sense of self-confidence and security. Given by trained teachers, classes using the LISTEN, LIKE, LEARN approach help parents get to know the songs, rhymes and musical exercises of babyhood.
Mother Goose on the Loose incorporates the LISTEN, LIKE, LEARN approach, combining it with the most effective practices in library programming for very young children.