Why We Have Music Circle Time in our Treetops Montessori Casa Classroom

Parents may wonder why music circle time is part of an AMI Montessori curriculum in some Casa classrooms. In Montessori education, music is not used as entertainment or filler. Rather, it is a purposeful activity that supports the child’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.

At Treetops Montessori Preschool, music circle time is integrated into the curriculum to enrich learning while respecting Montessori principles of focus, movement, and independence.

Music Supports Language and Cognitive Development

Music plays an important role in early childhood development. Through songs, rhythm, and repetition, children strengthen:

• Language development and vocabulary

• Auditory discrimination and listening skills

• Memory and sequencing
  

These skills directly support literacy and communication, key areas of the AMI Montessori Casa curriculum.

Purposeful Movement and Coordination

Dr. Maria Montessori emphasized the close relationship between movement and learning. Music naturally invites children to move with intention, and includes clapping, swaying, tapping rhythms, or using simple instruments.

Music circle time supports:

• Gross motor development

• Coordination and balance

• Body awareness and control
  

These abilities help children move confidently and carefully within the Montessori classroom.

Our Montessori Music Program with Mr. Ryan Sloan

At Treetops Montessori Preschool, music circle time is led by our engaging music teacher, Mr. Ryan Sloan. Mr. Ryan brings warmth, enthusiasm, and a strong understanding of early childhood development to each session, creating an environment where children are genuinely excited to participate.

As an experienced preschool and childcare music teacher, Mr. Ryan designs music experiences that are fun, interactive, and developmentally appropriate. Children are eager to engage through singing, listening, and moving, because the experience feels joyful and welcoming, not forced or overstimulating.

Under his guidance, music circle time supports:

• Confidence and engagement in group settings

• Listening skills and turn-taking

• Rhythm, coordination, and purposeful movement

• A lifelong positive relationship with music
  

Introducing French Music and Language Through Song

In addition to English-language songs, children are also introduced to French music and songs during music circle time every week. Exposure to another language through music supports:

• Auditory discrimination

• Early language awareness

• Cultural appreciation
  

French songs are presented playfully and without pressure, respecting each child’s developmental readiness and aligning with Montessori’s understanding of the absorbent mind.

Is Music Circle Time Montessori?

Yes it is, when done intentionally. In an AMI Montessori Casa classroom, music circle time is:

• Brief and purposeful

• Respectful of children’s attention spans

• Designed to support, not replace, uninterrupted work periods
  

Music circle time complements independent work by fostering community, joy, and shared experience within the classroom.

Supporting the Whole Child

Montessori education is designed to nurture the whole child , including intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. Music supports emotional expression, social connection, and inner joy while reinforcing concentration and order.

At Treetops Montessori Preschool, our weekly music circle time, guided by Mr. Ryan Sloan and enriched with language and movement and reflects the values of authentic AMI Montessori education and supports children in becoming confident, capable, and joyful learners.