Teachers, Children and Music

Children love music and recognize it very early in life. Mothers singing lullabies to her newborn baby, toddlers banging on a pot in the kitchen, preschoolers singing their favorite nursery rhyme, music is an important part of a child’s life. Music does many things, it can bring back a memory or a feeling, it can sooth and relax, and it teaches. Music also teaches children; Language, listening skills, and communication to name a few of the concepts children learn through music. "Scientists are confirming what teachers have long suspected: Music not only touches people's souls, it also shapes growing minds. When children sing or play music they become better readers, thinkers and learners. The more we discover about how the brain works, the more we recognize how crucial music is to children's learning." Elizabeth Lloyd Mayer, Ph.D., a psychoanalyst at the University of California, Berkeley.

When teachers are planning their classroom activities they need to include music. Music is a vital part of the learning process. “A music-rich experience for children of singing, listening and moving is really bringing a very serious benefit to children as they progress into more formal learning,” says Mary Luehrisen, executive director of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation, a not-for-profit association that promotes the benefits of making music.

Children will gain much through music and movement. When we give children the opportunity to moventhey will become coordinated and gain self- control. Children require movement because they are unable to sit still for long periods of time. Movement activities are a wonderful way for children to move in a way that is fun and encourages fitness. When chi...

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...e and play the music from that area and have someone come in to teach the children a dance or put on a show. The possibilities are endless. Children will gain an appreciation for the differences in others. This also teaches children that it is ok to be different; we are not all alike in every way.

In conclusion, music and movement is not just fun it is important. Children gain so much from taking part in music and movement activities. With the use of movement activities children are gaining self-confidence, language, motor development, self-control, and so much more. These skills are invaluable in life. When we have these activities available for children we are setting them up for success. Whether you are a teacher or a parent it is within your child’s best interest to have a music and movement program available to them to ensure the best learning opportunities.