7 reasons why music is so important in the early years

Is music in the early years important?  Yes, for definite!  You may think that I am biased as it is my specialist subject but I have read and seen first hand the difference it can make.  I have identified areas where I feel music makes a difference in a child's development in the early years.  There are probably many more but here are my 7 reasons why music is so important in the early years:

1. Universal Language:

No matter what language a child speaks music can be appreciated and understood by all.

2. Language Development:

Many studies have shown how singing songs help teach the beginnings of language development.  

Alliteration and rhyme are prominent in many songs and rhymes.  These are needed to develop later skills which help children learn to read and write.

3. Mathematical development:

There are many songs and rhyme activities that help develop mathematical concepts.  Some of these concepts are: learning number names, counting up and down, one-to-one correspondence, adding, subtracting, shapes…

4. Social development:

Singing together is a very social activity and it also gives children the opportunity to listen to each other sing.  I sometimes start the children off singing but then stop; this encourages children to listen to their own voice against the others so that they keep in time and tune. 

Many musical activities allow for taking turns, and sharing instruments and props.

5. Emotional development:

Singing and listening activities give children the opportunity to express themselves through movement, drawing, painting, constructing, playing....  

6. Physical development:

Many songs and rhymes have actions or movements which most children will love to take part in.  Listening to music is also a great way for children to show you their ability to move and dance.

7. Cultural awareness:

At different times during the year we sing and listen to music that was written for a particular celebration or tradition, for example:  Chinese new year, St David's Day, Easter, Diwali, Hanukah... This all helps with the child's cultural awareness.

And of course the more music we do the more the children develop musically. Music is a basic need for all of us and we must allow our children to explore!

I have an online training course that takes you through how music can help in the 7 areas of learning.  To read more about this training please click here: https://musicalabc.simplero.com/pages/music-and-the-7-areas-of-learning 

Happy music making!