Music and Movement for Preschoolers and Babies

Did you know that movement helps us to hear music in detail and enhances our understanding not just of rhythm, but also of pitch and tune?  Experts believe that it can also be good for the brain, especially parts that deal with spatial and temporal reasoning. Learning to play an instrument may even increase your child's ability to do maths (Livingstone, 2005).

In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of music for young children, discuss music classes for babies and provide you with some musical activity ideas for babies and preschoolers.

What are the cognitive and developmental benefits of music? 

Learning how to distinguish between different sounds is one of the starting points of early language development and communication skills. Being able to tap into different sounds and beats helps children to hear the different sounds in words later on as they begin to speak and eventually, segment the sounds in words for writing and phonics.


By including words to music we are able to give a language rich environment to children, helping them to learn new words in context with much more sensory input - especially when it comes to action rhymes and songs!

What are the emotional benefits of music?

Just like for adults, music can boost moods for children too. Whether this is a calming piece for resting and nap times or a more upbeat piece for dancing and movement - children respond on an emotional level to music and will find it almost impossible not to move their bodies in response.

Research has shown that music activates and stimulates the brain in several beneficial ways. It can cause the release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter that boosts feelings of well-being. Music also activates the limbic system, which is responsible for functions such as memory and emotional processing (Daren, 2023).

Babies and music class

 

What is a good age to start music class?

It is never too early to expose children to music - whether this is a baby sensory class from birth or a more structured group for toddlers. Of course, music development does not have to be enjoyed during baby and toddler music groups - using music to signal calm down time, nap times or more wakeful times at home is beneficial, and babies are able to explore musical instruments themselves from a young age. Having a treasure basket with bells, shakers, scrunchy materials or squeaky toys for children to play with is a great idea - and will help to develop early understanding of cause and effect.

Music and movement ideas and activities for babies and preschoolers

 

Exploring music and movement for toddlers  at home can be a great introduction to early music. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Singing and dancing: Fill the tuff tray with a variety of materials, such as scarves, balls, or blocks. Play some music and encourage your baby to explore, sing and dance with you.

• Body percussion: Play some music and encourage your baby to make different body sounds, such as clapping, stomping, or drumming on their legs. Playing 'Pat-a-Cake' whilst gently clapping your baby's hands is a great song to introduce rhythm, co-ordination and interaction.

• Instrumental exploration: Fill the tuff tray with a variety of musical instruments, such as shakers, drums, or tambourines. Encourage your baby to explore the different sounds that the instruments make.

• Water play: Fill the tuff tray with water and add some toys, such as boats, cups, or sponges. Play some music with a fast or a slow beat. Encourage your baby to splash and play in the water. Notice how their play changes with the tempo of the music.

• Shaker play: Use a small rattle or shaker and shake it in time with the music whilst your baby watches. Let your baby hold the shaker and explore, helping them to connect sound and movement. 

• Parachute play: Use a light scarf or fabric as a parachute, lifting it up and down to music whilst your baby watches or plays underneath - this is a great visual or auditory experience for sensory development. 

• Dancing in the mirror: Hold your baby and dance in front of a mirror to music - babies love seeing their reflection and your movements, enhancing their sense of body awareness.

Have a read of our post - Setting up a purposeful learning environment for babies and toddlers - for more ideas of how to provide a rich learning experience for your little one.