How music helps kids develop
Playing and listening to music can help your child in many ways. And you don't have to be a musician to help your child reap the rewards.
Kids are natural musicians. You can prove it by handing an empty pot and a wooden spoon to a toddler—you get an instant rhythm section.
These first sounds may seem more like noise to adults. But kids love them—and they benefit from them as well. Making music can work wonders with a child's brain. But music doesn't have to be earsplitting to carry out its mission, just plentiful. In fact, even kids who sit and listen to music are benefiting too. Just wait and you'll hear them sing a tune later.
What music can do
According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), a group whose aim is to improve educational and developmental services for kids, the benefits of music are remarkable. When you share music with your kids, you give them a way to express themselves and communicate without words.
Music also helps the body and mind work together, and spurs creativity and imagination. It can help even very young children develop creative thinking skills. And early exposure to music gives kids a boost with reading and math skills later on.
Best of all, music is fun and easy to make part of your child's day.
Making music
Kids are usually eager to make and hear music, reports the NAEYC. Here are some ways to help:
Play the field. Try many styles of music—listening to different rhythms and harmonies helps kids gain memory skills. You can encourage a multicultural education with music from diverse countries and ethnic groups.
Write songs. Make up songs together about daily events like brushing teeth or going to bed. Make songs personal by fitting in your child's name, a family member's name, or familiar things or places.
Think outside the drum. Pots, pans, spoons, and cans filled with beans can make great noises. Or try simple sound makers such as bells, rattles or toy xylophones.
Keep it playful. Don't try to make toddlers measure up to performance goals.
Make some moves. Kids learn coordination and rhythm when they move with the music. Clap your hands with the beat and play follow-the-leader. Try musical games such as "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "Ring Around the Rosie" too.
Press repeat. Kids like music that is familiar. Playing a recorded song several times can help them learn the words and tune.
Go with the flow. If your child makes up his or her own words for a song, praise the new lyrics and sing along.
Create a star. Make a video of your child making music. He or she will love to watch it later.
Get a band together. Playing musical games with other children boosts language, listening and motor skills. It also teaches teamwork and social skills.
Bringing the family together
Even if you don't think of yourself as musical, try to make music part of everyday life in your family. Along with all its other benefits, music helps build a strong bond between you and your child.
And that's enough to make your whole family sing.
Reviewed 12/5/2023