Numerous studies have shown that music can help develop cognitive skills in areas such as memory, language, and executive functioning. It can also be used to help remember certain material (think ABCs or “these are the continents”), reinforce social-emotional learning, and ease transitions (“clean up, clean up, everybody everywhere,” for example). So, how can you incorporate music into your child’s environment and learning? Here are some ideas.
Exposure- Turn on music, and sing along. Bring out some instruments (or anything in the household that can act as such). Model playing along to the beat, and encourage your little one to “keep a steady beat” along with you. Switch up your Pandora station here and there so your child is exposed to lots of different kinds of music, and point out the different instruments you hear. Ask your child what they hear in the song.
Music classes- Check your local libraries for free “toddler times”. Most incorporate music, songs, and dance. If you’re a member to the aquarium, local children’s museum, or even zoo, many places like these have toddler times also. Check your area for music schools. Classes are designed for kids as young as 6 months!
Learning new skills. There is pretty much a song for everything! Body parts? Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes! Counting? Ants Go Marching, 5 Little Monkeys, Roll Over…The alphabet, continents, colors, seasons, days of the week…ABC Mouse has a wonderful album to download that teaches these early concepts. For everything else, YouTube! For social-emotional learning, I love love love all of the Daniel Tiger songs.
Transitions- There are songs out there for cleaning up, going to bed, brushing teeth, and so much more. If you can’t easily find the one you’re looking for or don’t have the time, make it up! Choose a tune and insert words. This has worked for me on many occasions! Another way to use music for transitions is to choose a transition song that plays every time a transition is going to take place, and use it as a preset alarm. When it goes off it can serve as your kiddo’s cue to move on.
Also, music is just fun! So turn on the tunes and enjoy!