Creative Curriculum - Music and Movement

Why Music and Movement Are Important?

Music naturally delights and moves children. Whether the music is a lively dance tune or a gentle lullaby, even babies feel its force -both emotionally and phisically. An infant only two months old will stop squirming at the sound of music, entranced by what she hears. A baby of ten months will rock her body and wave her arms to atune on the radio. Toddlers will happiy clap, rock, or sway to music. They may also sing along, ang though they may not get the words or the melody right, they love to make music. Preschool and kindergarten children movie intime to music and often make up little dances to dramatize songs or events and to express emotions.

Throughout the early childhood years, children are learning to do new things with their bodies. Young children are also learning that movement can communicate message and represent actions. Athumbs up sign means everything's okay, bringing an imaginary spoon to the mouth indicates eating. Young children are able to perform and recognize pantomimed actions such as ironing, stirring, swimming, or playing piano.

Most young children usually are quite at home with movement. They begin to learn about the world by acting on objects and people, and they "think with their bodies" well before they think with words. This is why body movement is not only fun for young children but also a good opportunity for them to solve problems.

Singing or chanting can help make routine activities and transitions, suc as gathering children into a circle for a group activity, snoother and more enjoyable. And music helps to set a mood. Music and movement are also social activities that help children feel part of the group.

Music brings another dimension of beauty into our lives. An early childhood program that includes time for music and movement provides an outlet for children's energy and high spirits and benefits their development in anumber of ways.