Kiddipedia
As adults we’re all aware of the joy of music. Whether it’s singing along to the radio as we drive, celebrating while you worship or belting out your band’s favourite tune when you see them play live, it’s embedded into every human culture.
Music isn’t only important to adults, it’s also been scientifically proven that it has a huge beneficial effect from the moment we enter this world.
Music Accelerates Brain Development
Multiple studies have been carried out regarding the effect of music on the brain. One particular study carried out in 2016 at the University of Southern California* showed that being exposed to musical experiences from early childhood has a positive effect on brain development.
In other words, children’s brains develop faster when exposed to music. Other studies have shown that learning to play an instrument also has similar effects, including grasping key mathematical skills and that of problem solving.
When it comes to toddlers and pre-schoolers, early musical exposure is key to the development of audible knowledge and understanding the meaning of words. At this stage of life, the brain is constantly absorbing information, creating crucial neural pathways and setting the foundations of the adult they are set to become.
Music can have a positive impact on every area of brain development, including:
- Emotions
- Motor skills
- Language
- Intellect
- Self-expression
From Birth to Pre-School and Beyond
We instinctively know that music has a beneficial effect on babies. What mother doesn’t sing to her child as she nurses? Fathers croon their little ones to sleep and caregivers of all kinds are familiar with the many songs we all remember from our own childhood.
As an infant we learn to recognise melodies before comprehending any words that might be sung. Singing simple songs during repetitive activities is a great way to stimulate brain development. A couple of short lines about bathing, feeding or dressing repeated every time you do it will help develop a connection between the tune and the activity.
When it comes to toddlers, encouraging movement is a wonderful way to help the development of motor skills. It’s also a way to help with language. Repetitive songs, such as Old Macdonald or The Wheels on the Bus, stimulate memory, as does the use of instruments to learn about rhythm.
Kindergarten and preschool musical activities embrace singing. Young children love to join in with gusto – most have yet to become self-conscious at this age and are delighted to shout out the lines they know. Again, simple songs, such as nursery rhymes and repetitive lyrics, will further encourage participation. Add in some actions and the whole package stimulates a variety of key skill development.
Music and brain development continues into school age and into their teens. Having a great grounding in music and musical exposure from the youngest of age will only help as your child grows and they continue to learn about themselves and the world about them.
Nido and Music
At Nido Early Schools, music is a key tool in all child development. From soothing background music played in our creches to rumbunctious nursery rhyme sing-alongs, our early childhood educators are well aware of the importance that music has on the development of the brain.
We love seeing children express themselves through music. Learning the words of a simple song, banging a rhythm on a tambourine or simply swaying to a jolly tune are all positive musical influences for a child. That’s why we have dedicated musical areas in every Nido location.
Why not come and see for yourself how our architecturally designed Nido environments not only embrace the power of music, but also the importance of tactile areas, the outdoors and the creation of a place where your child can feel safe, content and happy as they learn.
Find out more and discover your closest Nido school at www.nidoearlyschool.com.au
* https://news.usc.edu/102681/childrens-brains-develop-faster-with-music-training/
