Why we use hoops and scarves in a music class with young children

Exploration of the space defined by the hoop is helpful to the child in order to establish the boundaries within which s/he can move.  Moving a hoop up, down, and around the body further identifies its space, contributing to the building of body image.  Later on, around age 5, a child needs to learn the concept of high notes versus low notes.  A hoop is perfect for learning this concept in a very concrete way.

With scarves, spatial concepts are clarified and directionality (up/down, side/side) is greatly enhanced.  The light, flowing movement of the scarf also leads the child naturally to expressive movement, and children need to move in order to learn.  Source:  Musikgarten, Music Matters

Which comes first - writing music or reading music?

Writing music comes first for children starting at age 4.  If a children writes a symbol that represents a sound, the child can "read:" what he or she has written.  Reading what someone else has written is far more difficult for the child, even though it is certainly possible for some children.
Around age 4, the hand of the child is physically ready to write, to leave a mark, to express his or her own thoughts.  Writing is a simpler process than reading, because the sound to be written is known to the writer.  Reading, however, is more complex since it involves the analysis of each graphic symbol into its unique sound.  The act of decoding (reading) is a translation of someone else's thoughts, which represent an unknown, whereas writing language is self-expression - recognizable by the writer (or the child who wrote it).  I like to have 4 year olds draw their own notes for the sounds we know so well.  We begin with Sol, Mi, and Do, starting at the top of the page and descending to the middle, and then to the bottom.    This prepares them for the act of decoding musical notation at the appropriate time!   (source: Musikgarten/Music Matters)

Impulse Control

Many activities and songs used in the Musikgarten curriculum help children learn impulse control.  One song in particular that we enjoy is called 7 Jumps, and helps children wait with anticipation and joy.  Another one is called "Walk and Stop."  Many activities involve waiting for your turn, and the children learn this quickly and without complaining.