Music and Movement Activities for Children
We have already stated that children naturally enjoy music and will begin reacting to music at an early age. One of the greatest benefits I believe that music with movement has in the classroom is the ability to release energy!!
Giving children opportunities to participate in music and movement activities allows them to have fun, be creative and dance around while burning off some energy. (Added bonus: If you join in, you will burn calories!!)
Providing movement and music in a group setting also has some benefits, such as: developing their social skills, learning to work as a team, learning to share, and being creative in a group environment.
It is so amazing and quite funny to watch as children learn to do new things with their bodies. Sometimes we don’t remember that as they move their bodies, they also learn that movement can communicate messages and represent actions. Examples are actions such as ironing, stirring, swimming, fishing, batting, or playing the piano.
Children begin to “think with their bodies” well before they think with words. This is why body movement is not only fun for children but also a good opportunity for them to solve problems.
Have you ever asked a child a question such as “How did the dog act in the book?” or “ what did we do yesterday to make cookies?” Did you get a verbal response? See any trouble or issues with communication?
But if you asked the question, “Who can show me how the dog acted in the book?” Did you get a better result or think you may get a better response?
YES! Children are not limited by their verbal abilities, maybe they couldn’t think of the right words or even know the correct words to say. OH!! But they can move!! Movement problems challenge children in different ways and help teachers/parents learn about the problem-solving and creative abilities of less verbal children.
As children grow in their appreciation of the beauty of music and dance, they acquire a gift that will bring them great pleasure. Music brings another dimension of beauty into our lives.
. Music and movement benefit a child’s development in many ways. Here are skills that music and movement can help develop:
- Participating in a group
- Social skills
- Express emotions
- Enhance self‐concept by sharing music and dance of each other’s culture
- Refine listening skills‐noticing changes in tempo or pitch
- Awareness of movement and body positions
- Creativity and imagination
- Learn new words and concepts
- Explore cause and effect
- Develop large motor skills
- Improve balance, coordination, and rhythm through dance and movement activities
- Improve small motor skills‐learning fingerplays and playing musical instruments
Music and Movement Starts at Birth! Here is a quick guide.
Read this article for more information. (Really read it, you will be quizzed on this information) You will find some great ideas and free downloads.