CREATIVE MUSIC AND MOVEMENT BASED ON CULTURAL KNOWLEDGE FOR EARLY LITERACY SUSTAINABILITY AMONG UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN

Abstract

Creative music and movement based on cultural knowledge has the capacity and signification that goes way beyond words for the growth of young children mainly the underprivileged. Underprivileged children can explore creative music and movement based on cultural knowledge in a fun and joyful way while experiencing various cultural aspects, nurture and be able to function effectively within the society. Based on the current issues regarding the COVID-19 pandemic which has disrupted the livelihoods of every Malaysian, the underprivileged children suffer the most in acquiring formal education. Most of these children lack modern technology and have no access to the internet in their homes since school closure nationwide. A positive learning experience can be achieved when creative music and movement based on cultural knowledge is being incorporated. Doing so helps in bridging the gap in the Malaysian early childhood education. Therefore, this research attempts to employ creative music and movement based on cultural knowledge for early literacy sustainability among underprivileged children. This method has been implemented before at the Orang Asli’s Nature School in Gua Musang Kelantan as a means of delivery. The outcome was very encouraging to the extent the children were looking forward to more of such activities. This research employed narrative research design through a single case study directly in the field from the scientific underprivileged community. The data collection methods were obtained from one-on-one interviews with three experienced preschool teachers, five parents and observations with 15 underprivileged children. Information gained through interviews and site observation from this community will be used as tools for the researcher that are worthy of discussion. The sample was chosen among preschool teachers through purposive sampling technique. The main findings from the interview revealed the concept, importance, and requirements to employ creative music and movement based on cultural knowledge for early literacy sustainability among underprivileged children as well as the optimism of teachers in implementing it in class. This research emphasizes that creative music and movement based on cultural knowledge has its own way of imparting knowledge to young children especially the underprivileged.