At Music Minds our programmes are carefully crafted to address all aspects of your child’s development, but you can also assist your own child at home!
Music and movement are two of the most enjoyable and natural ways to enhance your child’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical development. Research has shown that music and movement can boost brain functions such as memory, attention, language and creativity. Here are some tips on how to use music and movement to stimulate brain development in children:
- Sing songs with your child. Singing is a great way to introduce new words, sounds and rhythms to your child. You can sing nursery rhymes, lullabies, or make up your own songs. Singing can also help your child develop phonological awareness, which is the ability to recognize and manipulate the sounds of spoken language.
- Play musical instruments with your child. Playing musical instruments can help your child develop fine motor skills, coordination and auditory discrimination. You can use simple instruments such as shakers, bells, drums or xylophones, or make your own instruments from household items such as pots, pans, spoons or bottles. Encourage your child to explore different sounds, pitches and tempos.
- Dance with your child. Dancing is a fun way to get your child moving and expressing themselves. Dancing can help your child develop gross motor skills, balance and spatial awareness. You can dance to different types of music such as classical, pop or folk, or create your own movements and gestures. Dancing can also help your child develop social skills such as taking turns, following directions and cooperating with others.
- Listen to music with your child. Listening to music can expose your child to different cultures, languages and emotions. Listening to music can also help your child develop concentration, listening skills and musical appreciation. You can listen to music from different genres such as jazz, rock or world music, or choose music that matches your child’s mood or interest.
Music and movement are not only fun and engaging activities for children, but also powerful tools for brain development. By using music and movement with your child, you can foster their cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth in a playful and joyful way.