Especially when it comes to teaching children the skills they need in order to be successful in school, there’s a critical window of learning that’s widest open only during the first seven years of a child’s life. In fact, the kind of early childhood learning and experiences a child has before the age of 7 can actually change the trajectory of his/her life. But what kind of early learning opportunities have the greatest, most long-term effect?
6 ways music delivers on the promise of early learning
1. Cognition: Young children actively engaged in music-making develop foundational math skills, including patterns, geometry, and number awareness.
One, two, tie my shoe.
Three, four, shut the door.
Five, six, pick up sticks.
Seven, eight, lay them straight.
Nine, ten, let’s do it again!
2. Language & Literacy: Music improves early literacy skills, including phonological awareness, auditory discrimination, and auditory sequencing discrimination.
For example, in 2012-2013, an independent research firm found that students who participated in ABC Music & Me for as little as 30 minutes each week experienced 32% greater gains on the Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS™).
3. Social & Emotional: Music teaches children inhibitory control, which many early childhood teachers say is one of the key skills needed to be “ready to learn” in Kindergarten.
4. Physical: Music supports motor skills development: playing instruments (fine motor skills) and moving to music (gross motor skills).
5. Creative: Kids love music and dancing…. and learning should be fun! Music classes teach children to love learning and school. Through music, children can express themselves in unique ways, share ideas, and celebrate the ideas of others.
What shall we do when we all go out,
All go out, all go out?
What shall we do when we all go out,
When we all go out and play?
6. Parent Involvement in Education: Parents love music too. Music engages parents. A parent is a child’s first and best teacher. Singing, dancing, and playing instruments together throughout the week supports a parents’ pivotal role in a child’s life.
Find out more about how music – and Kindermusik! – delivers on the promise of early learning at www.Kindermusik.com.