How Does Music Help?

Research into how music is used in the ‘early years education’ has shown numerous benefits in children’s development.

A specific study into ‘Exploring the impact of musical activities on the development of pre-school age children’ found that children partaking in long term structured music-making activities:

• Had an increased vocabulary, as they practiced new words and vocalisations through song;

• Developed an understanding of rhyme and how it works in language;

• Had an increased ability to listen and respond to spoken instructions; learning the expectations and need for following instruction;

•  Learned the concept of how conversation works through turn taking ie. taking turns to ‘speak’ in a musical manner clap, sing and play;

• Developed a greater control of their voices, high/low, loud/quiet;

• Had an increased ability in telling their own stories and engaging their imagination, initiating their own ideas into songs.

MUSIC AND MOVEMENT FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS  

Through music and movement children can develop coordination, aiding their physical and muscular development. They can explore small fine motor movements ie. Grasping and larger gross motor skills such as jumping, balance, stretching, and crawling.

Children can use music and movement to express their feelings and emotions, they may not be able to convey in other ways. It can help them to learn acceptable outlets and relieve tension.

MUSIC AND MATHS FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS  

In addition to this, research has shown that there is a connection between music and the development of mathematical thinking. Mathematical concepts can be developed as children sing counting songs. And here at Jungle Jiggle we enhance this learning by using physical movement as we count.