The Development and Application of Hainan Li and Miao Folk Songs and Musical Instruments Resources in Early Childhood Music Education

Abstract

The folk songs and ethnic musical instruments of the Li and Miao ethnic groups in Hainan represent distinctive intangible cultural heritage, characterized by simple melodies, lively rhythms, and unique timbres that align perfectly with the musical perception and cognitive developmental needs of children aged three to six. These traditional elements serve as exceptional local resources for early childhood music education, offering a rich auditory and cultural experience. Systematically developing and integrating Li and Miao folk songs and instruments into modern kindergarten music curricula not only significantly enriches educational content and enhances children's foundational musical literacy and aesthetic appreciation, but also facilitates the dynamic, living preservation of indigenous ethnic culture during crucial preschool years. Consequently, this integration fosters children's profound sense of cultural identity, belonging, and national confidence from an early age. This paper critically examines the specific artistic features and pedagogical educational value of Li and Miao folk songs and traditional instruments. Furthermore, it identifies current practical challenges and pedagogical barriers in their application within contemporary early childhood music education settings. To address these issues, the study proposes a highly comprehensive development and implementation framework. This strategic framework covers meticulous resource selection, age-appropriate content adaptation, interactive activity design, innovative teaching methodology, specialized teacher training programs, and robust home-kindergarten collaboration. Ultimately, this research provides essential theoretical insights and highly actionable guidelines for optimizing local music education practices across Hainan's kindergartens.