The holiday season is much anticipated by kiddies and the adults who love them. It’s a time filled with yummy food, presents and extra time to spend with family and friends. This time of year is also connected with festive music – classic and contemporary tunes that blare in shopping malls, movies and on your favourite TV shows. This is when we catch ourselves humming along to Winter Wonderland, Jingle Bells and the Dreidel Song, of course.
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or simply the spirit of the season, parents and educators can teach children about their own traditions as well as introduce them to other cultures with music. It’s a vehicle that heightens cultural awareness and promotes tolerance, diversity and acceptance of others. It also brings families, friends and communities together. So crank up the radio and attend a holiday concert or even an old-fashioned sing-a-long. They all present unique learning opportunities for students to expand their knowledge of the world around them.
For some back-up, I decided to consult the experts who have been rocking it out with children for years. The stars behind the new album It’s a Beautiful Day, Lisa Sonshine and Brock Burford – known by their adoring fans as Sonshine & Broccoli – have provided their summary in song.
Check out this festive VLOG with this dynamic duo’s musical tips for teachable moments this holiday season. I promise you’ll be singing along with them in no time.
