FOLK SONGS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC EDUCATION: A STUDY IN SOME SELECTED SCHOOLS IN AFADJATO-SOUTH DISTRICT..

ABSTRACT The research examined the use of folk songs in early childhood education in three selected schools in the Afadjato-South District. The study investigated the actual extent to which folk songs were taught and their implications on early childhood education. It also identified the type of folk songs that were suitable for the early childhood programme. The researcher used qualitative method approach and implemented the case study strategy. Data were collected and analysed with the aid of interviews and observation as research instruments. Teachers, pupils and parents were participants, selected from three basic schools in Ve Gbodome, Hoeme, Agbome and Deme (GHAD) communities with a purposive sampling technique. Research findings revealed that, folk songs were good for teaching children and enabled them to develop language, good singing voices, good memories and total personality. Also, folk songs helped children to identify with their history and rich cultural heritage. However, the extent at which it was used was low and therefore needed to be improved. Thus, the study recommends that the use of folk songs should be intensified in the schools especially at the early childhood stages. Future research could engulf investigation into the impact of folk songs on the growing child.