Ages & StagesJazz-Mataz

Ages & Stages of Musical Fun

Extracted from a campaign initiated by the National Literacy Trust for the promotion of Oracy in early years. It is addressed mainly to parents, but carers will find it useful.

There is considerable evidence that the foetus can perceive and is stimulated by sounds, which he or she can then recognise after birth. In one study a group of mothers exposed their unborn babies to the sounds of the violin. After birth, the onset of behaviours from 0 to 6 months was charted. The exposed group were significantly more advanced in gross and fine motor activities, linguistic development, some aspects of somato-sensory co-ordination and in some cognitive behaviours.

Other studies indicate that musical stimulation can enhance development, encourage sucking and promote weight gain. There is also evidence that babies born prematurely or underweight can benefit from listening to recorded music. In a comparison with a group not provided with musical stimulation, the exposed group gained weight, increased food intake and their length of stay in hospital was reduced. Babies can distinguish between different types of music. Interactions between mother and baby, which involve musical activities, e.g. playing musical games, using musical toys, may help develop bonds of communication and facilitate speech development. Studies of mother-child interactions indicate that they have a particular pulse, which is shared by mother and child. Each begins their turn at a musically logical time in a co-ordinated turn taking format. The speech of the mother has a 'singing' quality.

Infants

The music infants hear is dependent on their caregivers. Mothers might sing short, simple songs in high-pitched voices or dads might chant phrases over and over in deep, low tones. Brothers, sisters, and babysitters may play popular records on the stereo for them. Grandparents may tune to radio stations that play classical or orchestrated music. Some research findings suggest that babies can hear music even before they are born, while still in the mother's womb.

Sing simple, short songs to infants in a high, soft voice. Make up one or two lines about bathing, dressing, or eating to sing to them while you do these activities.

Nursery rhymes said with rhythm and repetition sound pleasant to older infants. You also can provide rhythmic activities for younger infants by rocking them or clapping and patting their hands together. Babies will respond with excited movements like swaying, waving, and bouncing. Gurgling, cooing, and happy shouting are the baby's own way of making music!

Toddlers

Children from 18 months through 3 years like short songs. Their memories are not fully developed, so they can remember only a few words at a time. Motion also is interesting to them, and actions put to words help them remember their order. Repeating songs encourages the use of words and memorization.

When caring for toddlers, listen when they begin to sing spontaneously. Repeat the songs or nursery rhymes over and over. Encourage the child to reproduce their rhythms by clapping or tapping a metal pie pan with a wooden spoon. Most 3-year-olds will be able to listen and repeat.

As toddlers sing, or music plays on the radio or stereo, call out movements for them to make that involve various parts of their bodies. Ask them to jump and hop, smile and frown, or punch the air with their fists. Then, ask them to sit on the floor or stand on one foot each time you turn the music off. This is a fun game for toddlers and can be played with all kinds of music.

Toddlers' attention spans aren't as long as yours so when they are ready to play another game, turn your attention to something new as well.

How You Can Help Children Enjoy Their music and Rhyme

For most children, singing is as natural as talking. Kids learn to sing just as they learn to talk - by imitating other people. You probably will not have to teach the children how to sing, but you can help them learn to feel good about their method of musical expression by feeling good about your own. Working patiently to teach them new songs will help them learn how to take instructions and how to cooperate. Teaching them how to play musical instruments will help develop self-confidence. Smile when you sing, and be proud when making your music! The children will do as you do!

The fact that you like a certain instrument, like a certain song, or have a favourite kind of music does not mean the children you care for will share your enthusiasm. You may need to interest them in an instrument or motivate them to learn a song by showing pictures, telling a short story, or playing a guessing game. The purpose of motivating is to focus the children's attention on the music or rhythm activity in which you would like them to participate.