How does Music benefits young children?

I am not a musician by any means. I always loved to learn how to play the piano, but that has never became a reality so far. Going down memory lane, I always remembered as a child singing certain songs over and over again that I really loved. Sound of music is one of my favourites and still is. I used to make up my own words to a tune that I really liked.

As toddlers, I remember very vividly, we used to play with our mums pots and pans and bang and make our own music with whatever makes a noise, I do not know how much mum appreciated that, but I think it encourages us to explore the  beat, rhythm and sound, after all I think that is what music is all about.

Somehow personally, music can give me a sense of:

• freedom
• expressing myself, I might be feeling sad and I can relate to a song or tune to what I am  feeling inside, or if you feel on top of the world….happy songs
• playing instruments…you will find you can explore the rhythm, beat, and different levels of sound.

Working with pre-schoolers I have always made sure that I created a corner, where they can freely have access to musical instruments. We also had sessions of listening to stories with musical interludes, where we sang and danced around the room, with a choice if they want to use musical instruments.

I am a very firm believer as you well know of puppets, and I have written quite a few posts just to mention: Puppets and Special kids…… Children, Teenagers and Puppets.
I believe Puppets and Music go hand in hand together.

They both:

• stimulate the brain
• Research shows that kids who are actively involved in music (who play it or sing it regularly):
• do better in reading and math when they start school
• are better able to focus and control their bodies
• play better with others and have higher self-esteem
• encourages
• expressing emotions
• developing motor skills

I have done some research and came through some interesting articles which I am going to highlight, just to show you how music is encouraged by all different professions. 


Introducing music to children at a very young age…by Christine Moore

• “Important to note is the adult singer may be singing alone for quite some time until the child or children have learnt the words to the song.
• As long as the singer sings with enthusiasm, the child does not care if the notes are too sharp or flat. The child is not judging whether the song is in tune or not.
• Children grasp onto familiarity. They will learn favourites and often will want to hear the same song again and again.
• Children like repetition, so some song choices which work with young children are the songs with repeated lyrics.
• Actions and hand movements work well when singing with young children
• When singing with a group of children, instead of waiting for them to stop talking, just start singing
• Props, like puppets or felt stories, along with a song is a great way to introduce singing experiences with children.
• Play music throughout daily routines, such as while driving in the car, before naptime or while playing. “
• 
  

Music All Around article wrote  and reviewed by  D'Arcy Lyness, PhD

“Here are some ways to give kids opportunities to be musical:

• Sing or listen to music in the car, while you're doing chores, and while your child is playing. Keep a basket of musical instruments where kids can get them. Consider buying a kid-friendly CD player your child can operate and keep in his or her room.
• Make sure your child's preschool offers chances to sing and play simple instruments, to move to music, and to create music. Ask the teacher what songs they regularly sing so that you can sing them at home.
• Enrol your child in a preschool music class. If you don't know where to begin, ask the music department at your local college for suggestions.
• For a special treat, take your child to live musical performances, especially ones designed for pre-schoolers. Museums, libraries, and bookstores often host performances by children's-music artists. Outdoor concerts are also a good bet for pre-schoolers because they can dance and move around without disturbing anyone.”

Music therapy is a therapeutic intervention for children with disabilities.

“All children can be helped to learn to enjoy and to become involved in music to some extent.

Music therapy can be of inestimable value for children who have difficulties in hearing, seeing, moving, thinking or responding.
A single instrument can possess qualities of sound and tone irresistible enough to reach a child in a direct, uncomplicated manner.
Children who experience severe obstacles in forming relationships with other children, adults and their environment can achieve security and joy in making music.
By means of therapeutic music, we can assist these children to come to maturity in many ways. "Music confers non-musical benefits that have particular consequences for children with special needs.

Therapeutic Characteristics of Music

• Music captivates and maintains attention
• Music stimulates and utilizes many parts of the brain
• Music is easily adapted to, and can be reflective of, a person's abilities
• Music structures time in a way that we can understand ("that's the last verse - my exercise session is almost over!")
• Music provides a meaningful, enjoyable context for repetition
• Music provides a social context -- it sets up a safe, structured setting for verbal and nonverbal communication
• Music is an effective memory aid
• Music supports and encourages movement
• Music taps into memories and emotions
• Music and the silences within it provide nonverbal, immediate feedback
• Music is success-oriented - people of all ability levels can participate”

keep reading very interesting article……
Another interesting article FROM HEARTBEAT TO STEADY BEAT - MUSIC AND THE UNBORN
This article is very fascinating article how music relates with the unborn child.
 
I hope you found this very interesting and useful post….After reading these article you will see the importance of introducing music in a very young age! What other musical instruments would you like to see in my store? Which one is your favorite? You will find a selection of instruments in store here.

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