MUSIC IN KINDERGARTEN AND NURSERY SCHOOL AS AN ELEMENT OF INTERGENERATIONAL APPROXIMATION

Abstract

The project Music in Kindergarten and Nursery School as an Element of Intergenerational Approximation approach was developed within the scope of Kindergarten and Day Care Centre and integrated in the study cycle of the Master's Degree in Preschool Education of the Institute of Education of the University of Minho. This project arose from the children's interest in music and the fact that the institution where the pedagogical training period was carried out had a Day Centre with which joint activities were carried out. In this sense, i intended to develop relationships between children and elderly people using music as an element of closeness. The objectives were as follows: (i) to assess the role of music in intergenerational relationships; (ii) to bring children and older people closer together through music, by detecting common points of interest; (iii) to promote intergenerational coexistence and interaction between children and older people; (iv) to encourage sharing between intergenerational groups; and, (v) to raise children's awareness of music. With regard to the research methodology, action-research was used with observation, photographic and video recording and interviews as data collection tools. As regards the results obtained, it was possible to bring children and the elderly closer together, and both groups got to know a little more about their culture. It was also confirmed that there are common points of interest provided through music, such as the taste for listening to music, singing and dancing, as well as sharing moments of fun. During the project, both intergenerational groups were participatory, enthusiastic, motivated and involved in the different activities, showing interest in the work proposal. Music thus enabled the awakening of new relationships imbued with affection, feelings and care, promoting socialization between groups.