Musically Speaking

Most people listen to music. It is the soundtrack to our lives. We all have favorite songs and types of music that lift our spirits and touch our souls. In our modern world, music can follow us everywhere as we work, drive, exercise, fall asleep, and so much more! Music is often a backdrop for children's work in early childhood programs. Music is also a comfort for sleeping and a motivator for children to move their bodies. 

How do you incorporate music into your program?

The programs where I practice incorporate music in different ways. With younger children, we sing songs that have movement incorporated into the lyrics. We play music in the background as the children work and play. We prefer to play classical, smooth jazz, or world music. Sounds that soothe the mind and body of educators and children. Some music is a part of the children's play. We play group games that invite children to move their bodies in a particular pattern as they listen and have fun. 

With elementary-age children, we sing silly camp songs and move simultaneously. These songs are loud and proud. The children love to lead and share the songs they learn at summer camp. In our program, guest musicians come and visit. The musicians bring their instruments and their skill to share with the children. The children learned about African drumming, banjo, guitar, bluegrass, and violin this year. The children love the experience and trying out new instruments. 

Early in elementary school, children begin learning music on a recorder. They also take part in school musicals. The children's involvement with music continues throughout elementary school. Many children start playing an instrument beginning in grade four. Most children choose the guitar, trumpet, or violin. Music lessons are a part of their school curriculum. If children choose not to play an instrument, they participate in the choir. Children's music training has a purpose, to help their brains develop faster.

The Brain and Creativity Institute at USC and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association conducted a five-year study. The results said that music instruction has benefits for learning. Music instruction "Appears to speed up brain development in young children particularly in the areas of the brain responsible for processing sound, language development, speech perception, and reading skills."

An article by PBS Parents titled The Benefits of Music Education states that children ages two to nine growing up in a music-rich environment have increased development in the part of the brain that processes language. Music develops our spatial intelligence that may help with solving math.

Children love music, and it is an essential part of the everyday experience in a program. Our children enjoy singing songs, dancing, and playing musical games. The songs and games we play today are not that different from music from the past. We do not listen to or sing popular music too often when working with children. We recycle classic rhymes and repeat-after-me songs for this generation of children. It would be nice to infuse some new musical ideas into the program without using too much technology. 

I am searching for new fresh ideas for incorporating more music into early childhood programs. If you have some new ideas, please share them with your colleagues and online.

What new ideas have you discovered to incorporate more music into your program?