Many Parents tell us that the Partners In Play® circle time is their child’s favorite part of the group, and the Parenting Educators see it too! We love seeing little ones light up with joy when they recognize a favorite song and giggle with delight as they dance along to the “Hokey Pokey.” Although music and movement may just seem like “fun and games” there are many developmental benefits to turning up your child’s favorite song and having a dance party wherever you are!

Singing and rhyming help a child build fluent language and a strong vocabulary. If you add in dancing, clapping, and playing instruments along with musical activities, you can also activate the parts of children’s brains that are learning about numbers and the foundations for math. 

One of the greatest benefits of music is that it can help support energy levels. Music can lift a bad mood and initiate fun; and it can also be calming. Many caregivers often tell our Parenting Educators that they settle their little ones in with a lullaby or calm them down with a song. Music has the ability to both soothe your child, and also lift their spirit.

Tip: You can use music to help make transitions easier; play time, sleep time or different moments in your child’s daily schedule. (example: The “cleanup song” used in our Partners In Play® groups to transition to circle time!)

Another great thing about music is that it doesn’t have to be formal. Making up your own silly songs and music is just as beneficial for children, and your voice is their favorite sound! If you’re feeling creative, simple musical instruments can be homemade too. Here are a few ideas to create your own instruments; just add singing and dancing!

• Bells – Securely fasten them onto a strip of fabric or ribbons, you can also put them inside bottles or tubes (securely sealed) for rolling and shaking.
• Shakers – Use dry beans or pasta, buttons or small stones inside plastic containers. (securely sealed and check often)
• Baby Guitar – Use a bunch of rubber bands and a bread pan. Be sure the rubber bands won’t snap and let your little one create music!
• Drums – Use empty cans or buckets for drums or simple kitchen pan lids to bang on or make cymbals.
• Rhythm Sticks – A couple wooden or plastic sticks have duel uses; use them as drumsticks or to bang together for different sounds!
• Involve Nature – Take your little one for a walk outside and find natural objects that can be used to make rhythm and sound (example: branches, water, sticks, rocks etc).

Creating music and dancing with your little ones is not only beneficial for them developmentally but it also creates lifelong memories. Keep children motivated and interested by introducing music at an early age and model for them how much fun you can have when you’re singing, playing an instrument, or just listening to music. If you love it, chances are, they will too!