ECMMA Perspectives Journal is rapidly becoming recognized as the word on developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood music and movement. Ever since going online two years ago, bringing instant access to its entire inventory of past issues from its inception in 2006, thousands have enjoyed browsing, searching, researching, and reflecting on its rich reserves of information.

NOTABLE NOTES: Perspectives is for Parents, Too
What you may not know is that Perspectives is also filled with information for parents and other early childhood caregivers – freely shared on the ECMMA website every day. Notably, a feature entitled Notable Notes, is designed specifically for the nonprofessional.

Timeless Information
That is SO 2010 will never be the way we talk about the timeless truths of working with young children. ECMMA Perspectives articles from the very first day have focused on principles that last a lifetime, meaning that it would probably be a good idea to bookmark Perspectives in your browser, and to share links with friends and family. Readers can return to its virtual pages over and over, never needing to wonder whether what they are reading about ECMM might be out of vogue.

Notable Notes, Vol. 1 – 2006 & 2007: MusicPlay Was The Theme
To demonstrate how timeless these articles can be, let me guide you into the earliest ECMMA Perspectives Notable Notes. You are certain to find many great new ideas that you want to pass along. Post these paragraphs on Facebook or Twitter, or share with other blogging communities.

Fall 2006
Page Williams starts us out by talking about the importance of play-based learning for the young child, including several useful statements by noted psychologist Dr. Michael K. Meyerhoff, executive director of The Epicenter, a family advisory and advocacy agency located in Lindenhurst, Illinois.

Spring 2007
Kaja Weeks talks about the place of music in family and culture, and expands the conversation about the value of music play in the home.

Summer 2007
Dr. Cynthia Taggart expands the conversation about playtime to include caveats that can facilitate children's social, musical, kinesthetic, and cognitive development during music activities.

I will follow up with more features from Notable Notes in subsequent posts, but feel free to browse through Perspectives on your own. You will find a treasure chest of information for the early childhood music  community.