The Importance of Music in Early Childhood
Walking the halls of Lorna Whiston schools, one is almost guaranteed to hear music. Whether it is the cheery tune of Miss Michaelina’s “Goodbye Song,” or the mini orchestra of Little Explorer students, our teachers love using music in the classroom. The songs we sing do not have to be confined to school alone, and they may well find a happy place in your home, too!
At Lorna Whiston, we use music to serve a variety of purposes. A simple song about tidying toys sung routinely can be very effective in encouraging children to complete the task. The change in vocal pitch and tone acts as a pleasant signal to children that their current activity has finished, and they must move on to the next. This is true with other events throughout the day such as sitting down for a meal, prepping for bedtime or putting on shoes before leaving the house. Songs provide a gentle reminder that it is time to transition. For language learners, singing songs about everyday routines in the desired language can help children remember and apply their understanding of these phrases.
For the days when your child comes home with a mountain of homework and a molehill of motivation, try using music for refocusing their interests. In our classrooms, many teachers take a few minutes out of the work time to stop and…dance! Young learners in particular find seated work tiresome and may often struggle to focus for long periods of time. Whether they’re following guided steps, moving with the beat or jumping about at their own speed, dancing pumps blood to the brain and actually helps children to learn. Dancing also provides a fast, structured way to take a break. It can be timely and difficult to drag out, then pack up toys and try to refocus on the task at hand. The end of a song is a clear indicator that the break time is over and there is more work to be done. Adding a few dance breaks through homework time will help your child focus on their work, complete it quickly and have more time for fun!
Perhaps the easiest way to see the benefits of music for your child is by playing classical tunes in your home. Studies have shown that in crowded locations such as bus terminals, airports or shopping centres, playing classical music helped to keep people calm and happy. Miss Tiffany at Lorna Whiston has also found it effective in her classroom during play time. Having the music play softly in the background of their free play actually encouraged children to speak quieter, move about the room slower and react more calmly to one another. If you are looking to bring a bit more serenity to your home, consider playing a classical tune throughout the day, especially in the evening before bed. Not only will it help your child to relax before sleep, you may also find yourself feeling a bit more at ease after the stresses of the day. (And if you’re not keen to listen to traditional classical songs, give artists such as The Piano Guys and Lindsey Stirling a try. They play modern-day music with an instrumental twist!)
At Lorna Whiston, we see the benefits that music has on a child’s learning. Try adding a few songs into your home routines, and you may just find yourself dancing too!
By Arah Hanson, English Enrichment Teacher
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
For as long as she can remember, Arah has wanted to be a teacher, and she brings that sense of devotion into her classroom each day. Arah is trained in Early Childhood Education and applies this specialised knowledge to her work with young learners. She believes that children learn best through social interaction and hands-on activities. Through her work as a teacher, she hopes to inspire students to think creatively and to help them develop a lifelong love for reading. Arah is passionate about helping her students on the road to success and hopes to make them laugh along the way!