"Let's Make Music"
Children are surrounded by music throughout their entire life beginning at conception. Every day teachers provide music within their classroom, but what's so magical about music? Why is it so powerful?
Young children naturally respond to music. Infants mimic speech patterns with babbles and snuggle into our bodies when we sing to them. Toddlers enjoy music as an outlet for movement, communication, creativity and socialization. Recent studies have revealed that infants are born with musical capability systems that are related to other systems used in perception, memory and language. Research has shown that music provides:
- Repetition that reinforces learning
- A rhythmic beat that supports coordination
- Patterns that help in anticipating what comes next and support later math and reading skills
- Melodies that captivate, foster creativity and build relationships
- Words that are building blocks for language and literacy skills
- A variety of tones, styles and pitches (which is believed to be one of the most important steps for beginning readers to master)
- Large and small muscle development through finger plays, dancing and playing instruments
Teachers can provide stimulating musical experiences within the classroom by singing to/with the children, performing finger plays, dancing or providing opportunities for the children to hear various types of music throughout the day while they perform their daily routines. Some experiences can actually take on a whole new meaning when performed with music.
Musical experiences within the classroom not only provide the children with enjoyment but lay the foundation for development and future learning.
Resources:
Creative Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers Dombro, Colker & Dodge
Getting in Tune. Zero to Three
The Mozart Effect. Don Campbell
If you'd like to learn more about how you can incorporate music within your classroom or other Infant Toddler topics, please contact:
Special Projects Coordinator
4200 Perimeter Center Dr. Suite 235
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
1-888-962-2772
mailto:birthothree@oklahomachildcare.org