While music is often left out when academics, like reading, writing, and arithmetic are discussed, the benefits of music in childhood development should never be brushed aside. There are many reasons why music is important in childhood development.
It Starts With a Lullaby
Think back on some of your earliest memories. Most likely what you remember most were nursery rhymes put to music or maybe even a lullaby to send you off to sleep. All of these memories were part of rhythmic rhyme.
But, music plays a much more important role in childhood development than simply remembering little catchy cute tunes. When music is introduced to children at a young age, studies have shown that these children have an edge in connecting with other concepts of learning, such as math and language skills.
Music Studies
Based on a study published in the Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Journal, music helps to accelerate brain development in very young children, especially in the areas of the brain that help process sound, language, speech perception, and reading skills.
A study conducted by Harvard University shows that singing lyrics is especially helpful in making connections and remembering language. The study revealed that the ability to sing originates on the right side of the brain, while the language center where our words are stored is on the left. So, putting words to melodies helps complete the connection.
Further studies have revealed that children who are exposed to music perform better than non-musicians in the full spectrum of learning.
Rhythm and Movement
Music combined with movement, like dance, sparks social-emotional learning which stretches far beyond academic success. Making music through clapping and moving is a fantastic way to start integrating the benefits of music early.
Introducing and exposing children to music from an early age helps them develop:
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Pre-reading skills
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Pre-math skills
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Social and emotional skills, allowing children to practice self-expression
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Reading comprehension
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Numerical cognition and other math skills
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Fine and gross motor skills while enhancing hand-eye coordination
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Enhanced memory skills and retention
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Improved speech perception
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Enhanced neural processing
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Helps the body and the mind work together
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The ability to play and appreciate music
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Bringing joy
Introduce Music Through Play
The best way to introduce and expose children to music is through play. Babies who hear music start to imitate the sounds they hear, helping them develop language skills quickly.
Many teachers have discovered that greeting their young students every morning with welcoming songs helps to set the mood for the day and creates a bond between the teacher and the students.
Final Thoughts
There are many reasons why music is important in childhood development that span beyond mere academics. Although, young children who enjoy music as part of their education experience tend to excel on standardized tests. The earlier a child is exposed to the benefits of music in childhood development, the more enriched their lives will be. Don’t be surprised if they excel academically when music becomes a part of their early learning and development.