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Music may just be one of the most accessible and enjoyable activities for children. Think about it. Music is woven into the fabric of our lives; it is in our homes, cars, businesses, and on our personal devices. For children to have music, you don’t have to have expensive materials, go anywhere special, prepare, or clean up the activity! While you may ask Alexa to play “Baby Shark,” you could just as easily sing it yourself. And what’s more, music is good for children and adults of all ages!
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“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” - Plato
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For young children, music has power and meaning that go beyond words. First, and most important, sharing music with young children is simply one more way to give and receive love. Music is also a powerful learning tool. It helps children practice the listening and verbal skills necessary for understanding and communicating through spoken and written language.
Music can be an important means for self-expression, giving the child and caregiver an outlet for feelings, emotions, and a sense of belonging. Playing songs and using musical styles from children’s home cultures create continuity between home and the caregiving setting.
Music is fun! It can be playful, creative, and consoling. It serves as a connection between the child, caregivers and their community.
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Encourage music as an everyday activity for caregivers! Brainstorm strategies they can embed in their everyday routines and activities to increase the benefits of repetition.
Sing! The best time to start singing with children is when they are very young- they haven’t yet become music critics! Offer a variety of music from silly songs and finger plays, to a favorite playlist, popular children’s songs, or seasonal music. Including music during travel, naptime, transitions and clean up adds familiarity and fun to everyday routines.
Make a Band! Everyday objects like rattles, shakers, wooden spoons, pan lids can be used as instruments. Playing in a “band” can introduce cause and effect, rhythm, imitation, and listening skills as well as small motor skills learning.
Dance! Adding movement to music encourages muscle development, coordination, balance and practice for specific motor skills. Changing the music genres encourages use of concepts such as slow, fast, up, down, under, over, loud, soft, stop and go!
Play a Game! Music games provide opportunities for social interaction, participation with others, following directions and releasing energy!
Access the Library! There are many free music resources from the library that help caregivers offer a variety of music to children. Check out one resource here.
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Did you know?
Children's frequent engagement in music is associated with enhancements in verbal language and literacy-related language skills including phonological development. Check out the Early Language and Literacy Pyramid on the EITA Portal for additional activities that support early language and literacy development.
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To find out more about musical activities, visit the following:
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To access videos and resources to support coaching across settings, check out the EITA Portal Coaching Across Settings page.
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