Music the key to early learning
By DELLA VREELAND

ACCORDING to musician Maureen Whitehead, music is the key to early learning.
“Educationalists have been saying for decades that music and singing in early life – especially with pre-school children – is absolutely crucial for every facet of learning including literacy, mathematics and even the childrens’ well being.”
The former Ballarat resident recently launched her new website Miss Maureen, showcasing songs from her debut album I Can You Can Toucan.
Although Miss Whitehead has written in excess of 200 songs, her album consists of 19 original tracks, each with a unique character and unique tune.
The songs are performed by her daughter Anna Whitehead, who is a renowned opera singer.
Her compositions aim to inspire children of all ages to sing and move to music, and are based on the formula of rhyme, rhythm and repetition.
“The thing about these songs is that they are easy to learn and children absolutely love them,” Maureen Whitehead said.
“They’re not only good for musical fun and enjoyment, they’re the recipe for early literacy and early reading.”
A trained infant teacher by profession, Miss Whitehead has spent most of three decades teaching young children and sharing her musical expertise throughout many different schools.
“I used to write little books for children to read and I realised how great these books would be if they were put to music, and from that evolved my songwriting,” she said.
The 19 songs from I Can You Can Toucan are available to purchase and download in either audio or action video formats or as a deluxe educational pack, which also includes audio and audiovisual mediums with actions, illustrated lyric sheets and character outlines.
For more information, go to the website missmaureen.com