Music is a natural part of life for toddlers. They might
sing to their stuffed animals, tap their feet to the rhythm of
nursery rhymes, and enjoy the sound of their parents singing to
them - even if mom and dad can't quite carry a tune.
But this early introduction to music does more than entertain.
It can kickstart learning, serve as an important cue in
a child's routine, and offer lifelong benefits.
Music contributes to what experts call "a rich sensory
environment." This simply means exposing kids to a wide
variety of tastes, smells, textures, colors, and sounds -
experiences that can forge more pathways between the cells in their
brains.
These neural connections will help kids in almost every area of
school, including reading and math. Just listening to music can
make these connections, but the biggest impact on comes if kids
actively participate in musical activities.
Of course there's another reason to introduce music into
your toddler's world: It's enjoyable for both of you. That
will come as no surprise to parents who sing songs with their
child, sway and twirl together to favorite CDs, or listen to
lullabies as they rock their child to sleep.
I Got Music, I Got Rhythm
Between the ages of 1 and 3, kids respond best to music when
they actively experience it. Passive listening (like in the car) is
fine, but look for opportunities to get your child rocking,
marching, rolling, tapping, clapping, and moving to the beat.
Share songs that go along with simple hand motions or dance
moves, like The "Itsy Bitsy Spider," "The Wheels on
the Bus," "Two Little Blackbirds," or the
"Hokey Pokey." For younger kids, a parent's lap is a
great place to put music and movement together. Have your child
face you and be sure to smile as you bounce your knees to chants
like "Trot, Trot to Boston" or "To Market, To
Market."
If you don't know a lot of kids' songs and rhymes, you
can borrow books, CDs, and DVDs from the local library. But
also feel free to make it up as you go along. Create your own silly
songs and hand motions. Try to use your child's name in the
song or rhyme. Or just turn on some music and dance together. Show
your toddler how to move with the music by twirling quickly to
a fast song and swooping slowly to a song with a longer, slower
beat. Introduce props like scarves, balloons, or stuffed animals to
dance with.
At this age, kids can sporadically keep time - you'll notice
this if you give a toddler a pot and a wooden spoon and sing a song
or play some music that has a steady tempo. You can encourage this
by grabbing your own spoon, inviting your toddler to bang out a
rhythm, and then imitating what he or she does. Extend the game by
tapping a slightly more complicated rhythm and inviting your child
to follow or by asking your child to tap on different surfaces -
the floor, your back, a pillow - and seeing what sound these
different taps make.
Music Can Teach
Songs are a lot more fun than flashcards and can teach toddlers
important facts and skills. For instance, singing the ABC song can
help a child learn the alphabet, "This Old Man" teaches
counting, and "There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a
Fly" helps with rhyming and memory.
And you can encourage creativity by singing new words to
familiar tunes like "Drive, Drive, Drive Your Car" for
"Row, Row, Row Your Boat" or by inserting your
child's name in "Did You Ever See a Lassie?"
You're likely to find your child favoring a few songs
and rhymes and wanting to hear them again and again. While this may
become dull for you, your child is on to something. Repetition
helps kids learn.
It's important to note that toddlers won't learn to read
or understand music at this point. They won't pick up
individual notes, for instance, but will experiment with different
pitches. You may notice your toddler singing made-up songs that
slide from high to low and back again. Usually these songs will not
have a regular rhythm.
Kids this age also are learning about keeping a steady beat and
making coordinated movements - skills that are critical to math and
reading later on. Encourage this development by tapping the beat
with your foot while you sing and by chanting simple nursery
rhymes.
Adding Instruments
If you'd like to introduce an instrument, keep it simple.
Very young toddlers will enjoy instruments they can shake - bells,
rattles, shakers, tambourines, or rain sticks. As your child gets
older and a little more coordinated, try rhythm instruments that
can be banged, like drums, cymbals, or xylophones.
Some 2- to 3-year-olds can use simple wind instruments, like a
recorder, a pipe whistle, or a kazoo. Many companies now make
musical instruments that are appropriately sized and shaped for
little hands and that are safe for toddlers - check the label when
you buy them.
Kids usually don't start formal instruction to learn an
instrument until they're older, but you might have heard of the
Suzuki method. It's geared to kids as young as 2 or 3 for the
violin, but parents must be present for the lessons and involved in
both the instruction and the learning process.
If your child does begin formal instruction, make sure it is
with a certified instructor at a reputable school and that the
instrument used is adapted for a young child. And, of course,
you'll want to have reasonable expectations of how much a child
can master at this young age.
Music Can Soothe
Once your toddler is familiar with music, it can be a source of
comfort and soothing. Don't be surprised if you hear your child
singing in bed or while playing, or serenading dolls or
stuffed animals, especially if you have made a habit of singing to
him or her yourself.
When music is part of the everyday routine, these songs can help
your child know what to expect and feel more secure. For instance,
if you always sing a lullaby at bedtime or naptime, your child will
come to see this as a cue for "go to sleep."
Here are some other ways music can help your child make
transitions through the day:
- picking up toys ("toys away, toys away, it's time to
put the toys away")
- brushing teeth ("brushing, brushing, brushing
teeth," sung to the tune of "London Bridge Is Falling
Down")
- taking a bath ("Now it's bath time, now it's
bath time, yes, it is" sung to the tune of "Are You
Sleeping")
In addition, you can use music to alter your child's mood -
and your own. While soft, gentle music seems just right for
bedtime, louder, bouncier music could be just the boost you both
need when it's time to clean up the toys.
Music All Around
Kids' music CDs are great, but don't forget to share
your own favorite music with your kids. A toddler who loves
Beethoven or Bruce Springsteen? Why not? Folk music and music from
other cultures also can be good choices for kids. When you try new
music, ask if your child likes it and discuss your opinion as
well.
Though toddlers aren't likely to be ready for a night
at the opera, you might be able to find live performances suitable
for kids. Museums, libraries, and bookstores often host
child-friendly events. Outdoor concerts where kids can run around
without disturbing anyone are also a good bet.
You might also enroll your child in a music class. If you do, be
sure the class is developmentally appropriate - for kids this age,
that means it shouldn't last more than 45 minutes and it should
be something you and your child do together. Classes are a fun way
to enjoy music together; they're also good sources for music
and activities to enjoy at home. Check the music department at your
local university if you need help finding a music class.
Even if you do take a class with your child, remember that you
are your child's first and most important teacher when it comes
to music - and so much more. To help your child really benefit from
a music class, be sure to bring the music and games you learn there
into your home.
Reviewed by:
D'Arcy Lyness, PhD
Date reviewed: February 2009
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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