Children learn best with their bodies. By providing a venue for movement, either in Kindermusik class or at home, children have a chance to “try out” a variety of creative, self-expressive movements. Being sensory learners, children should be encouraged to move, use their imaginations, and engage their large and small muscle groups, all in a safe place where they are mentally and emotionally connected. Physical, mental, and emotional developmental qualities of young children are so interwined and interrelated that when one area is affected, the other two areas are equally affected (adapted from Geigert, 2006).
Ideas for parents: Find ways to give your child the freedom and opportunity to move. Children who are not yet walking still enjoy moving with, and being moved by, an adult. Once your child learns to walk, encourage him to run and play outdoors, both in free play time and as age-appropriate, with more structured or organized activities. Simply dancing and moving to music is one of the best ways to help children learn through moving, whether that’s at home with the iPod or radio or in the studio at a Kindermusik class.
– Contributed by Theresa Case, whose Greenville, SC program, Kindermusik at Piano Central Studios, is proudly among the top 1% of Kindermusik programs worldwide.