Music & Learning
Music & Learning
By Isabela Saldanha
Vanise Morgado
Music is always present in every moment of our life. Each nation, region, and people have their musical characteristics that are connected with the style and culture of the people who live there. Music can be part of many aspects of our lives; for instance, parties, ceremonies, theater, television, films, and celebrations. We can bring lots of memories back when we hear a specific song, or even we can speak words from another language of a song that we have memorized. At home, music can become part of our family culture - bringing the joy of our everyday experiences. In addition to the joy, music can bring several benefits to the development of babies, children, and adolescents.
Benefits
Studies from the University of California show that musical exposure during childhood can accelerate brain development and sounds processing, which, consequently, benefits language and reading skills. Reading and language skills are involved in similar brain areas. In addition to these benefits, they noticed that mathematical skills were also developed. Children who participated in the study had higher academic performance and a higher IQ performance.
The music reflects all areas of development such as language, social-emotional, motor, and memory. It connects the body and mind. When we are listening to a song, we are led to make movements with our bodies. These movements can help children to increase body awareness and space perception. Also, body movements allow children to release part of their body's energy. Consequently, it can help them to reduce anxiety and feel more relaxed.
Music on different stages of development
Babies - They can recognize the melody of a song, even though they do not understand the words. White noises songs are comforting for babies at bedtime (I am going to write a special post about this topic). Likewise, loud sounds in the background can stimulate children. Helping babies move according to music beats and choosing simple songs for them make big contributions to their development. For example, choosing songs for lunch, bath, and sleep time helps them memorize simple words and make connections between music and actions.
1 - 2 years - They love dancing and moving according to the music. The secret of this age is repetition. Simple, funny, and repeated songs stimulate language learning and memorization. At this stage, it is good to choose songs that enhance children's learning such as vocabulary for body parts, animals, and means of transportation. They already begin to understand the commands of the songs. Also in this phase, it is very valuable to expose children to music from other cultures and languages.
3-4 years - They love to sing and free their voices. They are learning to use rhythms and melodies. They also like the repetition of words and beats. At this age, they start to dance with more intention and like to repeat choreography or follow the commands of the music. It is a good time to explore more creative body movements. Children at this age are interested in musical instruments. Also, it is very important to introduce songs that help them describe feelings.
1 - 2 years - They love dancing and moving according to the music. The secret of this age is repetition. Simple, funny, and repeated songs stimulate language learning and memorization. At this stage, it is good to choose songs that enhance children's learning such as vocabulary for body parts, animals, and means of transportation. They already begin to understand the commands of the songs. Also in this phase, it is very valuable to expose children to music from other cultures and languages.
3-4 years - They love to sing and free their voices. They are learning to use rhythms and melodies. They also like the repetition of words and beats. At this age, they start to dance with more intention and like to repeat choreography or follow the commands of the music. It is a good time to explore more creative body movements. Children at this age are interested in musical instruments. Also, it is very important to introduce songs that help them describe feelings.
Some music suggestions to work on children's development
https://youtu.be/n-x1fGJtViA - Skidamarink Song
https://youtu.be/Vop_oH8bukI - Make New Friends but keep the old Song
https://youtu.be/fOcijampDro - The More We Get Together Song
https://youtu.be/Vop_oH8bukI - Make New Friends but keep the old Song
https://youtu.be/fOcijampDro - The More We Get Together Song
https://youtu.be/BRjsyzbvqsc - Hop Little Bunnies
https://youtu.be/BELlZKpi1Zs - Freeze Dance
https://youtu.be/ZanHgPprl-0 - Head Shoulders Knees & Toes
https://youtu.be/BELlZKpi1Zs - Freeze Dance
https://youtu.be/ZanHgPprl-0 - Head Shoulders Knees & Toes
https://youtu.be/oY-H2WGThc8WGThc8 - Clean up Song
https://youtu.be/ohHYABXMqUQ - Yes yes Vegetable song
https://youtu.be/ZanHgPprl-0 - Head Shoulders Knees & Toes
https://youtu.be/FrsM9WggCdo - If you are happy and you know it
https://youtu.be/eBVqcTEC3zQ - One Little Finger
Increasing vocabulary (new words, colours, and numbers)
https://youtu.be/iqjbSMeL4t8 - Five little monkeys jumping on the bed
https://youtu.be/dkQ4d_fff3E - Pete the Cat and his four groovy Buttons
https://youtu.be/fj_z6zGQVyM - Pete the Cat: I love my White shoes
https://youtu.be/BELlZKpi1Zs - Phonic Song
https://youtu.be/75p-N9YKqNo - ABC Song
https://youtu.be/Er2utOJ_QRI ABC song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peQnn7P1jb4 - Cinco Patinhos
https://youtu.be/MuBgIfBR1kA - Dona Aranha
https://youtu.be/8uzL3pFjsiA - Cabeça ombro Joelho e pé
References
Habib, Assal. University of Southern California — Dornsife Music training speeds up brain development in children. Aug 3, 2016.
ParlaKian, Rebecca. Lerner, Claire. Beyond Twinkle twinkle: Using Music with Infants and Todllers. In Zero to three:early connections last a lifetime Aug 11, 2016
ParlaKian, Rebecca. Lerner, Claire. Beyond Twinkle twinkle: Using Music with Infants and Todllers. In Zero to three:early connections last a lifetime Aug 11, 2016
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