• Journal of Music and Human Behavior
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.21-41
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• 2022

The purpose of this research was to develop and verify applicability of a musical play program aimed at promoting interaction between immigrant preschoolers and Korean preschoolers. A daycare center serving the preschool-age children of Korean nationals and immigrant families were the site for this research. Utilizing the elements of a musical play (e.g., role playing, narration, and joint music activity), the program was developed for improving interaction among preschoolers, while promoting intercultural acceptance by providing the opportunity to be exposed to music from different cultures and engage in the joint activity using such music. For the purpose of investigate the applicability of the developed program, the program was implemented with two groups of preschoolers and each group received the musical play program for 30 minutes twice a week for a total of 6 sessions. The results of this preliminary study indicate that the musical play program promoted interaction between peers from different cultural background. Based on the results of this study, musical play programs may be helpful in promoting interactions between preschoolers from different cultural backgrounds and increase of acceptance of immigrant students in Korean daycares and schools.