Toddler Music for Fun and Development

You have heard it said that singing to your child is important, even if your voice leaves something to be desired. At face value, the biggest impact that music and singing have on a young child's development is sensory enrichment. The Nemours Foundation points out that this form of auditory stimulation leads to the formation of neural pathways in the brain. In turn, such pathways have the power to greatly enhance the child's ability to perform cognitive functions, such as math and reading. What does this mean for your child?

Hearing vs. Making Music

While it is true that these brain connections are made even if the child only listens to music, they are greatly increased when the child is actually making music or somehow participating in it. Offer your child a couple of spoons and an old cooking pot, and you have all the makings of music. Provide maracas and encourage your child to march in keeping with a rhythm. The possibilities are endless.

Up the ante by introducing the combination of music and hand movements; there are a number of well known songs, such as the "Itsy Bitsy Spider" or "Heads, Shoulder, Knees and Toes," which combine hand and body motions. In her book entitled "Science, Math and Nutrition for Toddlers: Setting the Stage for Serendipity," author Rita Schrank refers to research that proves a drastic improvement in a child's reasoning abilities, when s/he is early on exposed to music, rhythm, movement and song.

Supporting Research

Researchers believe that it is the symmetry of music that makes this kind of neurological enhancement possible. Over time, the regularity of music is then transformed into the recognition of patterns, and from there it is only a small step to discovering patterns in mathematics, nature, sciences, and related fields.

Finding the Right Music Enrichment Program

As a parent, you might take your child to music enrichment classes and perhaps even introduce the youngster to various instruments in such a setting. Evaluate the programs carefully to ensure that they are more than a playgroup that cranks the tunes in the background. While there is certainly fun and value to such interaction, it is not strictly speaking a music enrichment environment.

Moreover, in any class you might consider for your toddler, music games must be specifically geared to the youngest age groups. Songs should focus on the tastes of toddlers, and the activities should allow for participation by all kids, preferably without long waits. Sit in for a lesson to get a feel for the class prior to signing up.

If the teachers are personable, interact with the toddlers on their levels, and provide a number of music enrichment activities for all to participate in, you have found the right class for your little one!

Sources

Nemours Foundation: "Introducing Toddlers to Music"

Rita Schrank. "Science, Math and Nutrition for Toddlers: Setting the Stage for Serendipity"

More by Sylvia Cochran

Justin Bieber and Other Famous Boy Sopranos

Five Safest Cars for Moms

What to Do If Your Child is a Late Talker