The Heart of Art: First 5, Amador Arts, Music & Movement

Would you believe that the ABCs, Head Shoulders Knees and Toes and The Days of the Week Song are the building blocks of higher education, social learning, emotional regulation and successful communities? Wild, but true.

According to the Office of the Administration for Children & Families, research shows that giving children consistent, language-rich experiences—like talking, reading and singing—from birth to age five significantly supports brain development and sets the foundation for future success in school.

Many of us understand the importance of early literacy in numbers, letters, colors and social norms such as sharing, but rarely do we reflect on the actual methods we use to teach young children these essential skills. Very often we teach through song and story, or rather, Art as in the case of the First 5 Amador class Music and Movement.

“The arts offer opportunities for learning and connection, especially in Music and Movement where children have the opportunity to explore with instruments like ukuleles and drums,” says Nina Machado, Executive Director of First 5 Amador. “They have scarves to use for movement and dance and they sing conceptual songs— this program is a holistic approach to teaching young children, including the mind, the body and that social component as well.”

An exciting collaboration between First 5 Amador and the Amador County Arts Council made this opportunity possible. First 5 operates as a special district— not as part of the County nor a 501(c)(3). That limits their applications to funding. Applying under the Amador Arts nonprofit umbrella made an award through the CA Arts Council possible and created the opportunity for the Music and Movement class at First 5.

Programs like this come at a critical time in a child’s life especially because they also engage every member of the family who attends. Parents, grandparents and caregivers can all participate alongside children, creating shared moments of learning, joy and bonding that can last a lifetime.

There’s also an economic and cultural impact. Music and Movement creates job opportunities for local artists to share their skills while remaining in the community. “We have a lot of talent in Amador County,” says Machado. “This is about connecting the dots and being able to keep local artists here. Sharing their talents is a gift.”

The relationship between First 5 Amador and Amador Arts is a testament to the power of collaboration in small communities. For Amador families, these programs are about more than music, more than young children, more than early educational opportunities. They center on building relationships, strengthening bonds and nurturing a sense of belonging. Partnerships like the one between First 5 and Amador Arts are vital to the well-being of children, families and the entire community.

Music and Movement is held Mondays from 9:30-10:30 at First 5 Amador in Jackson.

Amador Arts has been paying, helping and promoting artists since 1982, uplifting arts and culture for all peoples in Amador County; Me-wuk, Miwok & Miwuk lands. Visit our website to learn more: amadorarts.org.

Heart of Art is a Weekly column in the Ledger Dispatch promoting the benefits of the arts. Be sure to check it out in the on their website for the original publication!

By Kelly Curtis Amador Arts Chef Storyteller and local artist.