Availability, use and relevance of Yoruba songs and rhymes in pre- school education in Ondo west local government area of Ondo state

Abstract

Music is an aspect of Yoruba oral literature because it contributes to logical, mathematical, linguistic, spatial and interpersonal intelligence of children. Early childhood stage is the period of rapid development and the most critical period in a child’s musical growth. Children are accorded due respect in Yoruba oral poetry in the likes of folktales, lullabies, cognomen and mnemonics as they ensure the mental and psychological health of the child. While these folkloric elements are in the culture of the Yoruba and taught at the primary level of education before, socialization and modernization have brought in foreign songs and rhymes at the expense of indigenous ones in both public and private schools. Four research questions were raised in this study while an instrument (r = 0.73), divided into four sections, was used to collect data. Validation of the instrument was done accordingly. A simple random sampling, formed the subjects for this study. Data collected were analyzed through descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that teachers agreed that Yoruba songs and rhymes are available (π = 2.82) and that children recite rhymes. They used songs and rhymes to teach other school subjects but their perception of relevance in teaching differed. The study therefore recommends the use of Yoruba songs and rhymes in nursery education in order to enhance learning.