As I sit here writing, I can hear my children in the background humming and singing while they play. My four year old son is trying to put together his own rhyming lyrics to a melody he’s made up on the piano and my six year old daughter is reading the words for a song she is practicing for a school concert.
Music has had such an impact on our lives. It comes in most part from the simple task of playing music during our day. Together we listen, sing along, dance and even read lyrics. Listening to music creates a stimulating atmosphere. Different styles evoke different moods and can be used to create wonderful environments in your home.
When my children were babies, I used to play calm classical music before bedtime. Even now, we play classical music when they work on art projects (or when I need some peace and quiet). We use livelier music to encourage creative movement, development of rhythm, dancing and singing. And we couldn’t survive a long car ride without one of our favorite CDs!
I have also found music to be very beneficial to their education. It is a wonderful way for them to learn language and new vocabulary. Through music children (and adults) are able to more easily memorize facts. Songs can be used to learn phonics rules, math facts, life skills and so much more. We now try to find music that teaches about topics the kids are interested in, and I find myself having the opportunity to relearn many subjects - like Spanish, Hola!
For us, the greatest benefit of music is that it allows our family to spend quality time together. Music is an entertaining alternative to television. With music playing in the background we can still have conversations, read or do other activities. We’ll often sing along to lively songs while we fold the laundry and tidy up. Music can be played while we bake cookies or craft, and my children seem to quarrel less when their music is playing. Unlike excessive television, which can sometimes distract from our time together, music is something that we can all share; it enhances our home life and promotes family time.
Early exposure to a variety of musical styles helps to develop a life long appreciation of music. When your children are young, you as a parent have the opportunity to influence positively the music that your family experiences – before their peers take over in later years! There are so many exceptional children’s artists and a wide variety of albums to choose from. The internet allows us the luxury of being able to easily search for music, learn about different artists, read reviews and listen to samples of their work. The following selected websites will give you a good start. Good luck, have fun together and allow your child to grow up loving music!
© 2005 Googol Learning [7]