What no one tells families about back-to-school time is that routines, connectedness, and self-regulation aren’t guaranteed to fall into place by the end of the first few weeks.
So, what happens when daily meltdowns, anxiety, problems in the classroom, and general behavior issues at school and home are still occurring?
We need another “adjustment” solution.
That’s where the combination of musical play and behavior-decoding tools comes in.
Kindermusik partnered with HeyKiddo—a research-driven app, designed by psychologists for parents, teachers, and early intervention specialists—to create a collection of musical activities that helps instill safety, communication, and excitement for school all year long.
Here’s the science behind it, what’s inside, and how you can access the collection and corresponding coloring sheet for FREE.
What science says about music and emotional school readiness
Talk to any early education professional—school readiness is as much or more about emotional regulation and communication skills as it is about academic development.
Those things are what support academic development, and if they’re not in place, children are not set up for success.
A study from West Chester University examined behavior across 191 3-5-year olds, and found that those who received music intervention (in a shared music-making approach) showed greater inhibitory control.
Why?
- Stress levels in the body decrease
- Oxytocin and other happy chemicals increase
- Heartbeats (as you move or play to the beat) align brainwaves between participants
All of this supports cooperation and an eagerness to learn.
The problem with turning to music as a behavioral intervention is that teachers and families often don’t have the guidance to get started. Kindermusik’s “Feel the Beat Collection” in the HeyKiddo app lays it out in simple steps.
Here’s how you can grab it for free.
Try these simple, engaging musical activities anywhere.
The beauty of the HeyKiddo approach is that it’s meant to be just as easy for the grownup to instigate as it is for the child to participate.
Grab a free 3-month trial of HeyKiddo to access the “Feel the Beat” collection and much more! Just tap this link from your smartphone to get started.
Get a sneak peek.
We love “1, 2, 3 Breathe with Me” as a starting point for re-setting during tough moments or just prepping minds and bodies for the day ahead. Play the track below and follow along with your little one or students.
Download a free back-to-school coloring sheet!
Drawing and music go hand-in-hand. Turn on some calming music from the collection and get out the crayons for this bonus activity.
Take it one step at a time.
No matter how much you prep for childcare or school, new environments, new people, and new rules are so much more stressful for little ones.
Adding in a musical play break here and there can make all the difference—just be patient with yourself and the child(ren). Readiness, for anything, takes time and intention.
To get the Feel the Beat musical activity collection, sign up for a free trial of HeyKiddo here. For more musical teaching tools, check out these Kindermusik solutions. And to find a studio class near you, search here.