People learn how to talk before they can read or write. The skill of speech begins to develop around 18 months through imitation. The child only begins to learn the process of writing one letter at a time between the ages of 4 and 6.
This begins the process of translation and phonation of written letter symbols. Between 5 and 8 years a child may learn to write a word, then two words, then three and so on. Here, they begin to read and write sentences.
It takes a good seven years for the skills of literacy to develop to the point of independent competency, where the child is able to participate freely and confidently of their own volition, with great pride in their ability to perform the basic skills of reading, writing, and speaking (full circle).
A seven year process that leads only to the beginning of coordinating the skills of literacy into a practice that serves a child’s independent day to day performance, expression, and experience.
Beginner 4th and 5th grade instrumentalists are in their infancy of literacy; a sacred and magical time that should be cultivated, nurtured, and protected for at least 2 years through positive and creative development in service of their individuality and the discovery of their own unique voice through imitation, experience, coordination, and competency of musical literacy skills. Concerts can wait.
They need to know from the very beginning they are talented musicians and artists, their voice is valuable, unique, and cherished right away. Music and their peers need them to speak THEIR OWN voice.
speak, write, read, write, speak