Books, Beats & Bonding: Fostering Connection Through Stories, Songs, and Play by Dr. Anne Meeker Watson, MT-BC

This engaging and interactive workshop will explore practical, joyful ways to nurture early literacy, emotional regulation, and social connection in young children through the powerful combination of carefully selected picture books, songs, rhythm, and rhyme. Join Anne Meeker Watson, Ph.D., MT-BC, Music Therapist and Early Childhood Consultant at SING.PLAY.LOVE., author of Sing & Sign with Young Children: A Guide for Early Childhood Professionals, and recipient of NAPPA and Parents’ Choice Honors awards for her global music programming. You’ll discover how these simple, everyday tools are deeply intertwined with social-emotional learning (SEL), providing a holistic foundation for development. We will delve into clear criteria for selecting rich picture book literature that captivates young minds and offers concrete opportunities for teaching a variety of essential skills.

The session will feature favorite books with concrete examples of activities and songs, demonstrating how to bring stories to life with musical elements to support:

• Early Literacy: Enhancing phonological awareness, vocabulary, and print motivation through rhythmic reading and sing-alongs.
• Emotional Regulation: Using specific songs and movements to help children identify, express, and manage big feelings.
• Social Connection: Fostering cooperation, empathy, and positive interactions through shared musical play and story experiences.

You'll leave with key takeaways for seamlessly including music and books into your daily routines, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary learning opportunities that build joyful, confident, and connected young learners. Join us to unlock the magic of harmonizing growth in your early childhood setting!

LEARNING OBJECTIVES.
Participants will be able to:

1. Identify simple, joyful ways to integrate picture books, songs, rhythm, and rhyme into early childhood settings.
2. Explain how music and books support social-emotional learning (SEL) in young children.
3. Demonstrate concrete activities and songs using selected picture books to support early literacy, emotional regulation, and social connection.