Early Childhood Music Association of Ontario

ECMA of Ontario

Our Founder - Donna Wood

Donna Wood was a graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto. She was also a certified Early Childhood Educator, Institute of Child Study, University of Toronto. After many years of practical experience in inner-city day care and co-op nursery schools, she introduced and developed Preparatory Music Classes at the Royal Conservatory of Music for children aged 3 to 7 and Music with your Baby for parents and their children aged 6-36 months. For many years Donna Wood directed summer school courses and academic year courses in teacher training. In 1987, The Association for Early Childhood Education, Ontario (ECE) presented her with the Children's Service Award and medal for outstanding contributions toward improving the quality of life for young children. In 1991, she helped develop and promote an advanced cross-disciplinary Early Childhood Music Education Certificate, through Ryerson Polytechnical University's School of Early Childhood Education (Division of Continuing Education) and the Royal Conservatory of Music. As a leader in the field of Early Childhood Music Education, Donna Wood conducted many workshops and seminars across Canada for teachers, caregivers, and parents. She also presented papers at the International Society of Music Education (ISME) in the USA, Austria, Hungary, Australia, and Finland. Donna Wood passed away in Kitchener, Ontario, on October 7, 2007.

The Role of the Early Childhood (Music) Teacher 
 
We must be ready to comfort the insecure or frightened child and be sure
that each child is safe, when in our care
        - like a parent.
We must be happy with children's play and games
        - like a friend.
We must listen to and learn from the children
        - like a student.
We must observe, objectively, the children's general behaviour, affective
responses, intellectual growth and skill development
        - like a researcher.
We must record and evaluate the child's learnings
        -like an educator.
We must be ready to intervene or redirect an activity with sensitive timing
        - like a director.
We must be ready and willing to invent an instrument, make a table or repair
a hair-bow
        - like a creative handyman or woman.
Seemingly irrelevant questions or comments from the children must be dealt
with clearly and honestly.  "Teacher, why do you have gold in your teeth?"
        - like an unflappable dispenser of information.
We must have empathy with young children and their parents, and gain their
trust and confidence 
        - like a warm human being.
We must have a light touch and a special sense of humour.  Take music
seriously, but don't take yourself too seriously
        - like a good nursery school teacher.
 
                                        - Donna Wood
                                        [from 'Move, Sing, Listen, Play']