Music Monday: Five fun ways to incorporate music into your day today:

Did you know…?

When a child sings, dances, or creates music, they are using all parts of the brain!
Music helps children to to learn about culture, traditions, and their surroundings
Research reveals strong connections between rhythm skills and pre-reading abilities in toddlers (more research about how music affects infants and toddlers here)

Make and play your own musical instrument
Create a play using finger puppets or stuffed animals to act out a favorite song
Have a dance party! What a great way to get some movement into your day, giggle a little bit, and have some summer fun!
Play “Name that Tune.” Hum, whistle, or tap a familiar song and see if your child can guess the tune. Then switch roles to see if you can guess the song your child is humming.
Exploring the moods of music can be paired with art, dressing up, and movement. Develop a playlist that includes a variety of music that conveys different moods. Consider classical music, jazz, hip hop, rock, ethnic music, etc. Children can begin to understand that feelings can be expressed in music. You can discuss how the different music makes them feel. And then, you can have the child:
- Make art that conveys the different feelings inspired by the music
- Use props and costumes that remind them of the music, or
- Express the feelings they have through dance and movement

For Educators:

For Families: