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Music and Childhood Development

Did you know that musical foundations change an infant and toddler’s brain in ways that will benefit them for life?
Music and Childhood Development Music and Childhood Development

Musical awareness

Musical awareness begins for children at a very early age. We all know how engaging rattles and shakers are to very young children, and how singing to a baby will capture their full attention. We know that music in early childhood has its benefits. But did you know that these musical foundations are changing an infant and toddler’s brain in ways that will benefit them for life?

The benefits of Music in early childhood

Recent neuroscientific research suggests that early exposure to music helps create neural connections in developing brains. It also increases abilities in other areas, including:

  • Improved problem-solving skills 
  • The long-term enhancement of spatial and temporal reasoning skills 
  • Improved language skills
  • Improved outcomes in mathematical abilities 
  • Increases in short and long-term memory 
  • Greater social skills and social awareness
  • Enhanced creative intelligence and developed logical brain functions 
  • Enhanced ability to think, comprehend and understand

Music affects children’s mood and energises their spirit. Music can also help to reduce stress, relieve tension and regulate emotions. Who hasn’t marvelled at the effect that humming a lullaby and gently rocking has on an overtired baby or distressed child? Music in early childhood also provides an opportunity for children to engage in a pleasurable and shared experience. It connects children with their peers, adults and their environment, supporting their developing social skills and attention span.

 
Baby playing music on xylophone
 

 

Our music program

Music is an integral part of our Oac Grow curriculum for babies, toddler and preschoolers/kinders. Our Educators provide opportunities for planned and spontaneous music and movement throughout the day. Educators also incorporate music for toddlers and early years in everyday routines. 

How to introduce music at home

  • Sing to your baby: Don’t worry about how you sound. Your child won’t critique you but will love the effort and attention.  Your selections don’t have to be limited to lullabies. Try singing songs during play time, too. Stack a tower of blocks and knock it down as you sing “London Bridge.” Even a simple game of peekaboo can become musical theatre when you sing the words out loud.
  • Share songs: That go with simple hand motions or dance moves, like “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” “The Wheels on the Bus,” or “Two Little Blackbirds.” If you’d like to introduce an instrument, keep it simple.    
  • Let your child make their own music: Very young children will enjoy instruments they can shake — bells, rattles, shakers, tambourines, or rain sticks. As your child gets older and a little more coordinated, try rhythm instruments that can be banged. Drums, cymbals, or xylophones are a great option. Your child may enjoy banging on a drum, piano, or xylophone, but don’t take things too seriously at this age. Most children aren’t ready to start instrument lessons until they’re 5 to 7 years old.
  • Dance to different kinds of music: You might even include props such as scarves and ribbons to engage your child’s senses.
  • Make music a part of your everyday routine: Songs can help your child know what to expect and feel more secure. For instance, if you always sing a lullaby at bedtime or naptime, your child will come to see this as a cue for “go to sleep.”

 

For more related reading, check out our Discover and Learn articles

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