Why Clapping Is the Unsung Hero of Early Development + Activity Ideas
Clapping is generally perceived as a tool for keeping time with the music or showing appreciation as applause. However, the biological and neurological effects of this simple motor activity reach far beyond songs and ovations, enhancing self-regulation, reading skills, handwriting proficiency, and speech processing.
Take a look at what’s happening in our brains and bodies when we clap, why it is so intrinsically connected to early childhood development, and initial steps you can take to help children harness the power of their hands.
Continue reading “Why Clapping Is the Unsung Hero of Early Development + Activity Ideas”Kindermusik Top Program: My Little Conservatory
Have you ever searched for a Kindermusik class and wondered what that circular “Top Program” icon really means? Each year, we award Kindermusik Top Program status to studios across the globe with the highest registrations and other factors that contribute to their offerings being the best early childhood music and movement programs around.
This year, the very TOP of the Top Programs is My Little Conservatory in San Jose, California. Owned by Accredited Kindermusik Educator, Amelia Vitarelli, My Little Conservatory’s recipe to an award-winning program is a mix of listening to families’ needs first, requiring the highest standards from teachers and team members, and ensuring that a heart for and belief in early childhood music education is at the center of every class.
Continue reading “Kindermusik Top Program: My Little Conservatory”NEW Dad Album + Activity!
Dads, like-a-dads, uncles, grandfathers…the male caregiver role is hugely important to early nurturing and positive whole-child development.
To amplify their presence and put it to the tune of fun, we created Superdad Soundwaves, on the free Kindermusik app. And we’ve got an activity you can pair with it below!
What the research says…
Studies show that fatherhood involvement in the early years makes a big difference.
Researchers from Imperial College London, King’s College London and Oxford University found that “babies whose fathers were more engaged and active when playing with them in their initial months performed better in cognitive tests at two years of age.”
And a study conducted by the University of Leeds showed that fathers who regularly and intentionally engaged their three-year-olds by reading, drawing, singing, and playing “helped their children do better at school by age five.”
Empowering dads with the tools they need to keep that engagement going is where musical play can really help. It’s a multisensory activity that’s portable, screen-free, and fun!
Try our Dad Album activity…
- Stream “Love Somebody” from the Superdad Soundwaves album in the free Kindermusik app or play it below.
- Follow the movement directions—dancing high/low, bouncing, clapping, etc.
- Each time you hear “you, you, you,” give your child a big hug or point to them.
The benefits…
This activity is full of cognitive, social-emotional, and motor benefits, but we love that:
- Matching movements to lyrics promotes understanding and language acquisition.
- Synchronizing movements synchronizes your heartbeats and bodies, promoting connection.
Keep that family engagement going…
Intentional time is the best time. Make it part of your daily routines, and growth and connection will skyrocket.
Whether you’re looking for more no-cost resources like this one, a grownup-and-me class near you, or home visiting or teaching tools, we’ve got a solution for that.
How Musical Play Boosts Youth Sports Performance
What does early musical play have to do with youth sports? If you’re thinking of signing your toddler or preschooler up for t-ball, soccer, gymnastics, etc., take a look at these links between athletic ability and intentional music and movement. You may be surprised at how much it can help little ones gain confidence early in their sports journeys, and how much longer it might help them stick with it.
Continue reading “How Musical Play Boosts Youth Sports Performance”How Music Affects the Science of Reading
The Science of Reading is kind of a buzzword these days in the early education and parenting worlds, but what does it really mean and what role does music play?
In a nutshell, the Science of Reading is a catch-all term for the massive amounts of research that look at how our brains learn to read through decoding, phonemic awareness, and more. It doesn’t just happen, it’s science, and educators around the world are tapping into its framework.
What might be missing from traditional classrooms and at-home efforts? Music!
Continue reading “How Music Affects the Science of Reading”How Pre- and Postnatal Singing Support Secure Attachment
The bond between caregiver and infant is one of the most critical factors in positive whole-child development, and the keyword is secure attachment.
Secure attachment doesn’t mean constant baby-wearing or helicopter parenting—it does mean a consistent series of positive and nurturing interactions between caregivers and infants that form the foundation for healthy social-emotional and cognitive growth.
So, how do you know if you’re making these connections happen? Singing can help.
Continue reading “How Pre- and Postnatal Singing Support Secure Attachment”3 Musical Ways to Support Neurodivergent Learners
It may seem counterintuitive, but neurodivergent learners thrive with the right multi-sensory activities. Music—a multi-sensory activity that stimulates all parts of the brain at once—promotes everything from self-regulation to emotional expression.
And that turns tricky transitions and long days into beautiful learning moments (for children and their special grownups).
Continue reading “3 Musical Ways to Support Neurodivergent Learners”Why High-Pitched Kid Songs Belong on Your Playlist
Did you know that babies can’t focus on or imitate sounds in a low pitch? It’s OK to sing your favorite low-pitched song to your little one, but mixing in high-pitched kid songs in a head voice is critical to boosting young children’s natural development.
Continue reading “Why High-Pitched Kid Songs Belong on Your Playlist”3 Ways to Build Grownup Social-Emotional Growth
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) for children has been a huge focus in early childhood development over the past 10 years, but what about “Grownup Social-Emotional Growth?” It turns out, it’s just as critical for parents and caregivers to fill this specific brain bucket on a daily basis.
Not to be confused with a fancy face mask or a day at the beach, The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) defines SEL as “the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.”
And while it can be hard to focus with little ones around, it’s important to recognize that parents and caregivers shouldn’t put social-emotional growth on hold for alone time.
Continue reading “3 Ways to Build Grownup Social-Emotional Growth”