Standards
The Jam Cats music program has been developed in accordance with both the New Jersey Preschool & Kindergarten Teaching and Learning Standards, and the National Association for Music Educators (NAfME). Our curriculum is designed to teach children music fundamentals, instrument discovery, dance, movement, and to deepen children’s knowledge of diversity and multiculturalism through exploring music and movement of other cultural groups.
Music Fundamentals
Our specially designed curriculum prepares children for elementary education music classes and private lessons music through the introduction of basic music theory elements such as notes, melody, pitch, and dynamics. These classes promote better listening, verbal and cognitive skills.
Instrument Discovery
Keyboards, djembes, maracas, rain sticks, joia tubes, vibraslaps, tambourines, darbukas, gathering drums. You name it, we play it! Children get hands-on experience with so many instruments to create music using different beats, tempos, and dynamics. Tremendous fun while developing gross and fine motor skills!
Dance and Movement
Children explore many different types of rhythms and how to move their body in a variety of ways with and without music. These activities help to define personal space, maintain focus and improve gross motor skills
Genres and Cultures
Woven into our monthly song list are favorites from many genres including Jazz, Latin, Reggae, Country, Hip Hop, Classical and World Music. Through their lyrics and dances children learn about cultures from across the globe.
Take Home Materials
Children get to go home and teach their parents about the music lessons that they are taught each month with The Jam Cats monthly family guide. They also receive a monthly music card with the curriculum unit’s music word.
The Jam Cats Characters
The Jam Cats are a cartoon band of cats that play music. Our program incorporates the characters in the band to elicit an excitement towards music, dance and the creative arts. These characters and their positive attributes are an integral part of the curriculum and learning tools that are used in our program!