Minds On Music – The Kindermusik Blog
For three generations, Kindermusik has helped millions of children around the world build a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning.
Music changes us. Of course, we know that music can move us to tears, conjure up (and make) memories, or even quiet a child’s cries. However, music also literally changes our brains! A new presentation from neuroscientist Nina Kraus at the American Psychological Association’s 122nd Annual Convention displays some of the strongest research to-date proving how …
Continue reading “New Research: Music Can Offset Children’s Academic Gaps”
Young children love music, dancing, painting, playing, and other creative ways to express themselves and make sense of the world around them. However, as if those reasons weren’t enough to include things like art and music in early childhood education, research indicates that the arts, including music education for kids, significantly impacts cognitive development, increases …
Continue reading “4 Reasons Why the Creative Arts Matter in Early Childhood Education”
When you send in the clowns, you can also introduce a whole lot of fun practicing all kinds of ways to move, jump, listen, focus, and even stop. At first glance, it might seem like an activity such as “I Am a Clown” is just about moving and dancing. But watch a little more closely, …
Continue reading “Music Video Brings in the Clowns to Develop Kids' Gross Motor Skills”
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 …
Continue reading “Why Music is One of the Best Things for Early Language Development”
From hearing those heart-melting coo’s and goo’s to interpreting first words and celebrating full sentences, the adults in a child’s life play an important role in enhancing a child’s language development. Music and music activities provide a simple and fun way not only to bond with your child and inspire a lifelong love of learning, …
Continue reading “Use These Musical Activities to Develop Children's Language Skills”
Caring for an infant can be a bit like visiting a foreign country, especially considering the language barrier. After all, most grown-ups—from first-time parents to experienced early childhood educators—are no longer fluent in Baby. Take a look: Do you know what these babies are talking about? They certainly seem to understand each other! [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UfFY6PSVu0[/youtube] How …
Continue reading “How to Talk to Babies When They Can’t Talk Back…Or Can They?”
Happy. Well-adjusted. Confident. Shows empathy. Cooperates with peers. Has good self-control. Any parent would be delighted to hear this assessment of his or her child. These words describe the social-emotional skills that are so closely tied to success in school and success in life. For young children, social-emotional development can be enhanced through age-appropriate group …
Continue reading “How Music Helps Children Listen, Share, & Cooperate”
Music tunes kids in to learning from the very first day of life. After all, even babies in neonatal care experience reduced heart rates and deeper sleep when listening to live music. Research shows that musical activities stimulate development in every area of the brain: vision, balance, speech, behavior, sensation, skill, movement, and emotion. Music …
We sing about the benefits of music a lot. Some might even call us melomaniacs—people who are passionate about music. (By the way, we are!) After all, we never hesitate to explain how music helps children develop listening skills, supports early language and literacy, builds social and emotional skills, and even boosts balance and coordination. …
Continue reading “Music Education Prepares Children for Future Careers & Problem Solving”
Growing up, but not all grown up yet – thankfully! The early years of childhood pass so quickly, and before you know it, your child has officially earned “big kid” status. The turbulence of the toddler years and the exuberance of the preschool years are past, and your big kid can mostly be described as …