Music and Movement By D. Evans

Why Music & Movement Children naturally love music and moving, which means fit, happy children. Children who are exposed to music and have pleasurable experiences with it are more likely to participate in music throughout their life Fun!

Benefits of Music & Movement Physical Development Exercise and strengthen muscles means mastering needed skills Practice manipulating objects increases dexterity Improves coordination , balance, stamina, and physical fitness Positive release of energy

Benefits of Music & Movement Mental Development Language development—listening to and repeating short rhymes, songs, or fingerplays Recognizing variations in sounds, pitch, tone, rhythm, and tempo Matching movements to tempo or beat Improved listening skills

Benefits of Music & Movement Social/Emotional Development Fun, pleasurable experiences that can be shared with others that can be stimulating or relaxing Communication, forming attachments with caregivers through musical play Music stimulates the emotions

Benefits of Music and Movement Social/Emotional Development continued Provides opportunities to be silly & for expressive movement Giving and receiving attention

Caregiver’s Role in Guiding Experiences Provide an environment that is rich in sound Model enthusiasm and appreciation for a variety of music Listen to and praise child’s musical attempts Introduce children to music activities suited to their interest

Choosing Activities Age Appropriate Children Love Action Songs Short, simple, catchy tunes and lyrics Children Love Action Songs Break from sitting and opportunity to vent emotions Love Familiar Songs Make up new words for tunes already known

Ideas for Caregivers Enjoy dancing and singing with child Show child how to hop like a rabbit, tiptoe like a mouse, etc. Encourage child to play with words, make rhymes, identify and imitate sounds Use prepositions like “in”, “on”, etc.

Ideas for Caregivers Introduce instruments. Dance & play with child. Be Silly! Make up your own movements and words, and let the child do the same. Match rhythms by tapping a simple rhythmic pattern and letting the child echo. Reverse.

Music & Movement Play “Hokey Poke” “Where is Thumbkin?” “I’m a Little Teapot” “Musical chairs” “Wheels on the Bus” “Where is Thumbkin?” “This is the Way we Wash Our Hands” Create musical instruments

Music & Movement Play “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” “Itsy Bitsy Spider” Listen to and watch windchimes—let children cause them to chime and move Listen to “Peter & The Wolf” Chant “If You’re Happy & You Know It” Paint to music with changing tempo