As a mum and teacher sharing music and dance with my children has always been a complete joy. Music is an inclusive activity that is uplifting, allows for self expression and creativity and is wonderful for building self esteem and confidence. Indoors or outdoors, whatever the age of the child or stage of development, music is for all.
When children are engaged in musical activities it is obvious how much pleasure they are gaining from the experience. But there are many other reasons why music should be included in everyday life both at home and at school. Here are a few!
Brain Development
Music increases brain development as it creates pathways in the brain that improve a a child's cognitive functioning. This supports language development, maths and reading.
Vocabulary
Singing songs and nursery rhymes expands a child's vocabulary as well as their ability to use language correctly. Having a broad vocabulary enables children to communicate well and learn to read with greater fluency. If they can't say it, they can't read or write It.
Memory Skills
The repetitive nature of songs and nursery rhymes allows children to learn songs quickly. They can recognise patterns in the songs which makes it easier for them to memorise and remember. It also improves auditory skills as children listen for the patterns.
Physical Development
Music helps to improve gross motor and fine motor skills. Gross motor skills (large muscles) are developed through dancing , playing large instruments, musical games. Fine motor skills through, playing small instruments, making instruments.
Here are a few ways to increase music at home or in school.
* Expose children to different kinds of instruments and let them experiment with making lots of sounds. Use pans, boxes, spoons etc. not just 'real' instruments. Encourage creativity.
* Sing nursery rhymes and songs with lots of repetitive words.
* Sing counting rhymes - Five little ducks went swimming one day etc.
* Stories with music.
* Encourage dancing and movement whenever you can.
* Indoors and outdoors make the most of opportunities to create music - sticks, buckets, bottles as instruments.
* Musical games such as musical statues.
Don't forget, make it fun and smile!
Mrs H
Music ignites all areas of child development and skills for school readiness, including intellectual, social-emotional, motor, language, and overall literacy. It helps the body and the mind work together. Exposing children to music during early development helps them learn the sounds and meanings of words.
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