Just google it: “children’s language development.” Over 35 million hits will appear almost instantaneously. From tips for parents to academic dissertations, there’s a flood of information and opinion out there. And while we haven’t checked all 35 million hits, we can guarantee that one of the common threads woven into the fabric of early language development is music.
That’s because we learn music and language in a similar progression. First we are steeped in it. Gradually we detect and then imitate its sounds and patterns in babbling. Eventually, our desire to communicate and the experience of our ears, brain and muscles converge and we speak our first words – or sing our first notes!
So, how exactly can a music and movement class affect language development?
Vocal play encourages children to imitate, practice, and repeat words, phrases, rhythms, accents, synchronization and tempo – all integral parts of communication.
Focused listening heightens sound discrimination, helping children isolate, identify, and imitate specific sounds.
Rhymes and chants develop rhythmic awareness, which aids speech fluency and an awareness of the rhythmic structure of language.
Pretend play provides rich opportunities for communication and self-expression as children share ideas and interact cooperatively with each other.
Moving and labeling those movements aids in language acquisition in the early years and expand vocabulary in the toddler and preschooler years.
Singing directly exposes children to patterns of language, including rhythm, speech sounds, syntax and rhyme. Pattern awareness is crucial to learning, memory, and language development.
Expressive and receptive language activities give children practice and experience with both speaking and understanding, two very different but essential parts of language development.
Find out more about Kindermusik and the benefits of music at www.Kindermusik.com.