Music and the Young Child

Having operated a successful Family Child Care in myroom like different animals based on the type of
home for over 10 years, I have had manysounds they hear. They can explore how their bodies
opportunities to introduce various aspects of themove and their physical coordination begins to grow
Arts to young children. Being naturally musical myself,and develop as a result.
providing a musical curriculum to my kids was a simpleMusic activities in group settings help children develop
and obvious way to enhance the daily activities ofsocial and interactive skills by sharing the activity with
my child care and my own children as well.the other children around them. They love to join
Children respond to music at a very young age.hands and form circles while singing simple nursery
Nearly everyone can remember their mother orrhymes and dancing around together. Friendships are
grandmother singing nursery rhymes to them as littlemade easily when children share musical activities and
children. I have vivid memories of swinging outsideeven the shyest child can join in and become part of
and singing 'Hey Diddle Diddle' as loudly as I could justthe group.
to hear the sound. With my own children I haveRecommended Music for Young Children:
always used music to calm and entertain them;Sing Dance and Play - Genius Products
singing softly to them in the rocker or energeticallyBaby's First: Animal Songs - Various Artists)
leading them in finger-plays and sing-a-longs. HoweverWalt Disney Records : Children's Favorite Songs, Vol.
you may choose to do it, singing or playing music1 :
with children gives them a beginnings of musicBest of the IQ Builder [2001] - Bach
appreciation, not to mention the special memoriesChildren's Songs [2001] - Genius Products
that are created.Sesame Street Platinum: All Time Favorites - Sesame
My son is a wild and wholly two-year-old, and greatlyStreet
affected by his environment and the sounds andBaby's First: Playtime Songs - Various Artists
sights he encounters. Getting out of control is veryMagic Mozart (Baby Genius Classical Series) - Mozart
easy with this little boy, and it's up to me to findFavorite Nursery Rhymes - Genius Products
ways of calming him down and quickly distracting himFavorite Children's Songs [Box] - Genius Products
and hopefully changing his mood. Music affects aBaby's First: Nursery Rhymes - Various Artists
child's mood, and quiet, comforting music can relax anToddler Favorites - Favorites Series
anxious child. It's amazing the way my son reacts toNight Night Classics - Ludwig van Beethoven
his special CDs that he knows and enjoys. Often he'llSweet Dreams Lullabies [2001] - Genius Products
just stop what he is doing and I'll see him stand andIntroducing music to young children will provide them
look toward the stereo and just sway and sing towith a foundation to help develop language and
himself.listening skills, along with enhanced coordination and
Children will naturally relate movement with musicemotional development. Little children love to express
giving them the opportunity to explore their ownthemselves through music and given the opportunity,
creative expression. They love to act outwill reap the benefits of a lifetime of music
movements to the songs such as moving around theappreciation.