From Old Mc Donald’s to Twinkle Twinkle to Humpty Dumpty, we all grew up listening and singing along to countless poems and songs. Remember how fun it was as the entire class gathered and sang harmoniously? Music and movement have always been a big part of education, especially for young children. It’s not only exciting and fun but also encourages them to learn. But that’s just the beginning of it. Music and movement are so much more than we realize; it takes you to an imaginary world, fostering a vital sense of belonging,
A 30-year study proved that music helps develop many vital skills needed for learning and growth. It promotes physical coordination, fine–tunes speech and auditory systems, reinforces memory and fosters empathy and creativity. (A.D, 2011)
As adults, when we sing in a choir, play in a band or shout at a rock concert, we feel a certain exhilarating energy running through our bodies. Now, imagine the same energy being used in classrooms to accelerate children’s learning process. The results would be astonishing! So, let us understand why music and movement are so powerful for children and have been prominent in education and parenting circles throughout the ages.
Encourages Faster Learning
It comes as no surprise that learning with music is so much more fun than traditional methods. But do you know it can also help children understand better and faster? Incorporating music into a child’s everyday routine can significantly change how they grasp concepts. They will associate learning with fun and no longer run away from it. The best part is that they will understand every concept faster than usual as their memory for songs is more robust. In fact, what they learn through music tends to stay with them even after years.
Brings Them Together
Singing and dancing are universal ways of expression. When children from different backgrounds come together, singing along to a poem, their differences fade and they unify as one. There is no better way to bring them together than through a singalong. Children who do not even speak the same language tend to join in, evoking a sense of togetherness and collaboration.
Significantly Enhances Memory Skills
Music has an astonishing effect on a child’s memory skills. Children taught through music tend to significantly improve their learning abilities as they develop musical retention. This means that the areas of their brain associated with reasoning, speech, learning and emotion are enhanced, helping them retrieve more excellent information for extended periods. It is probably why we still remember the alphabet through a song!
Contributes to Personal and Social Development
Playing an instrument, participating in a play or singing with the choir can lead to a sense of achievement. It boosts children’s self-esteem, increases self-confidence, teaches them discipline and, most importantly, provides them with means of self-expression. When children participate in group activities, they meet like-minded people, creating bonds based on mutual support.If you have come all this way, you’ve probably got an idea about how important music and movement is for your children. Learning is beyond books, and the sooner we understand this, the more enriched experience we can provide our kids. At Early Beginners Preschool & Daycare Learning Center, we incorporate songs, dance and plays to make lessons fun and exciting. Get in touch with us today to learn more.
