Why use music with young children?
Music can be linked to ALL areas of the curriculum
and, used effectively, will aid learning and develop important skills which
will be used in later life. It is also,
of course, a lot of fun!
Music encourages language development, improves
co-ordination, enhances motor skills and boosts self-esteem.
Music is effective because it is a nonverbal form of
communication, it is a natural reinforcer, it is immediate in time and provides
motivation for practicing non-musical skills.
Most importantly, it is a successful medium because almost everyone
responds positively to at least some kind of music.
Preferred music may be used contingently for a wide
variety of co-operative social behaviours like sitting in a chair or staying
with a group of other children in a circle.
Music is also important because it helps children learn to co-operate, follow directions and develop social relationships. It helps them to learn how to get along with other people who live in their society.
How does music help children?
All
children will benefit at their own level of understanding and ability.
Children
don’t need any particular musical ability to benefit from music. Music is often the first thing to which a
child relates, a “universal language” that crosses all cultural lines.
Children
with disabilities are not necessarily disabled in their musical skills. The child will have opportunity to shine
whilst non-musical goals are being reinforced.
Music is success oriented - children of all ability
levels can participate and feel better about themselves.
It can provide pleasurable learning through enjoyable
music activities that promote success.
Quality
learning and maximum participation occur when children experience the joy of
play.
Music captivates and keeps attention - it stimulates
and uses many parts of the brain.
Music
occurs naturally in the environment in many settings and is a socially
appropriate activity and leisure skill.
Music is
easily adapted to and can reflect a child’s abilities.
Music
structures time in a way that we can understand (last/next verse etc)
Music
provides a meaningful, enjoyable context for repetition.
Music sets
up a safe, structured setting for verbal and non-verbal communication.
Music is
an effective memory aid.
Music
supports and encourages movement.
Music taps
into memories, emotions and senses involving the child at many levels.
Music and
the related silence, provide nonverbal and immediate feedback.
Music is
highly motivating, yet can also have a calming and relaxing effect.
Music therapy
can help a child manage pain and stressful situations.
Because
the brain processes music in both hemispheres, music can stimulate speech/language skills and cognitive
functioning.
Music stimulates all of the senses and involves the child at many levels.
gain confidence
be creative
learn self-expression
learn to have fun
learn to listen
learn about turn taking
learn about rhythm and rhyme
develop their language
development
develop their physical
development
develop their co-ordination
learn new words
make new friends
make choices
develop their imagination
deal with stress
learn to count
Music
will help children…
express
their emotions
release
energy and channel it to gain confidence in themselves
learn
that, with practice, their bodies will do almost anything they want them to do
learn
new words and ideas
learn
about themselves and the relationships they have with others
learn acceptance and coping skills
develop attending/listening skills
aid conflict resolution
develop decision-making
deal with emotions
maintain and strengthen family bonds
develop memory recall
develop self-awareness and self-esteem
develop sensory systems
develop social skills
in their spiritual exploration
validate personal life experiences
develop visual abilities
be
creative and productive
follow
directions
