The impact that music and movement have on a child’s overall development is extremely positive and profound. Music and movement engage many of the five senses, making it an exciting aspect of sensory exploration. Sensory exploration deepens a child’s understanding of the world around them and sharpens their developmental skills. Music and movement activities are a result of combining physical activity and music, which is simultaneously an outlet for energy release while also being a soothing mechanism at the same time.
Music is all around us. From commercial jingles to grocery store music and everywhere in between, it surrounds us every day and is a creative method of communication. Music is a universal “language.” It surpasses language barriers and permeates all cultures in various forms. Movement is a constructive method of self-expression.
Benefits of Music and Movement in Early Childhood
There are many benefits of utilizing music and movement in early childhood. The use of music and movement is essential because it promotes the development of several different areas.
- Music naturally evokes a desire to move in children. Kids can explore different ways to move their bodies in an environment where they are surrounded by music and movement. The energy of young children is endless! Music and movement activities are excellent methods for channeling this energy. Through singing, dancing, nursery rhymes, dance activities, games, playing with instruments, and more, children are free to express their unique personalities, take risks, and establish independence as well as further their overall development.
- Many cognitive skills are being further developed through participation in music and movement activities. Children can make connections as they listen and sing to lyrics of songs or move their bodies and act out concepts through dance. Music and movement also help children strengthen their problem-solving skills and increase their perseverance capabilities.
- Early literacy skills and language development are established and furthered through music and movement activities. Children are constantly learning new vocabulary and letter sounds (phonological awareness) through songs. Music also provides children with exposure to new sounds.
Benefits of Motor Skills and Social Skills
- Music and movement activities heavily benefit the development of motor skills, a vital aspect of child development, by strengthening and refining fine motor skills, such as the muscles in the hand and wrist, as children play with musical instruments like maracas, tambourines, and drums. Physical development is another important area that music and movement strengthen.
- Children increase their gross motor skills by engaging in full-body activities such as dancing, which helps build their balance and hand-eye coordination. Moreover, physical activity positively affects their overall health in many ways.
- Children acquire social skills through participation and engagement in music and movement activities. Through group games, songs, and activities, children learn teamwork and strengthen their ability to communicate with others around them.
- Music and movement provide children with a creative outlet for self-expression. Participation in music and movement activities in early childhood also fosters self-esteem, builds confidence, and establishes independence in children. Music and movement exercises may be tailored to each child’s needs and interests and used in a variety of contexts. Choose those activities that are developmentally appropriate and correspond with their interests and skills.
Importance of introducing Music and Movement Early in Life
Before a child has verbal communication skills, they use movement as a means of communication. It enriches a child’s communication once they do have verbal skills. Sign language in infancy is a helpful movement tool that assists in refining communication. Children at each stage of their early childhood development can enjoy developmentally-appropriate music and movement activities. This especially includes infants, even though many people may not understand the many capabilities of children at this young age. For example, an infant may use gesturing to convey a want or a need. They may shake their head to communicate the answer “no” or nod to communicate “yes.”
Music is an everyday part of children’s lives, and they want to interact with it, whether it’s through dance, singing, or playing an instrument. When an infant sees the musical mobile above their crib, they may reach for it as the sounds and music play. In this instance, the movement was sparked by the music of the mobile. Toddlers can be motivated by music while playing games such as musical chairs or singing the clean-up song as they clean up their play.
Types of Music and Movement
Coming up with engaging music and movement activities may feel like an overwhelming task, but it really can be quite simple. You don’t need a bunch of supplies or musical toys. Children’s imagination is so expansive and innovative that they could make their own instruments out of paper towel rolls, empty tissue boxes, or anything around the house. You’ll be surprised at what they create.
Some types of music and movement activities include singing, dancing, playing instruments, and moving to the music in creative ways. Children’s yoga, action songs, and games (such as musical chairs) are unique and engaging modes of movement. There are many yoga stories for children on the internet for them to follow. Action songs, such as “The Hokey Pokey” or “Open Shut Them,” give a child directives on how to follow and actively engage with the song. “Musical Chairs” is a crowd favorite in childhood. Group activities such as this foster teamwork and provide children with the opportunity to engage in a collaborative expressive outlet.
One of the simplest ways to engage a child in a music and movement activity that will get their energy out is a freeze dance party. Simply turn on some music for them to dance to, pause the music at random spots, and tell them to freeze their position as soon as the music stops. This also works as an effective practice in active listening!
Exploring musical instruments is always an exciting music and movement activity. A child’s motor skills are further developed through playing the drum, tambourine, xylophone, Maracas, a small keyboard, and other developmentally-appropriate instruments for childhood.
Ways to Incorporate Music into Everyday Routines
Music is a very helpful tool to use in early childhood. It can assist in smoothing transitions throughout a child’s day as it is a motivating factor for young children. Songs can help young children remember the steps of processes (“The Clean-Up Song,” a toothbrushing song, and more.) Utilize songs as a means of communicating expectations and steps through daily processes. This will help ease some of the many transitions in a child’s day.
Play some background music throughout the day. This is a simple yet engaging way to expose children to various types of music so they can refine their musical tastes and interests. Make sure to play a variety of genres, not just children’s music. They can learn other types of music and discover new sounds.
Sing “waiting songs” with your child to quell boredom, provide comfort in uncomfortable situations. Or help pass the time during necessary time-consuming tasks such as grocery shopping or waiting in a doctor’s office. Make it even more exciting by teaching them motions to go along with the lyrics. Such as Wheels on the Bus, so your child can be physically and actively engaged as they wait.
Singing lullabies to your child before they go to sleep is a calming way to transition from the excitement of the day to bedtime. The soothing nature of a lullaby tells a child that it’s time to begin calming their body, and it eases them into sleep. Songs during bath time, changing clothes, mealtime, and other daily tasks help children feel like active participants in the action as well as makes the transitions between tasks more seamless. If you are noticing more difficult pockets of your day, think of how involving a song may assist in easing this daily transition or rough patch and consider adding one.
Time to Get Moving!
Music and movement are essential in strengthening many areas of child development. It strengthens a child’s motor skills, further develops their cognitive skills, deepens bonds in relationships by strengthening social skills, fosters self-confidence and independence, and more. Music and movement activities can positively and effectively direct a child’s boundless and exciting energy. You must not underestimate the importance of using music and movement activities in early childhood. The value these activities provide is limitless. The innate love and desire children have for exploring the world through music and movement enriches every area of their development and, ultimately, their life.