The man that hath no music in himself, nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treasons, stratagems and spoils. William Shakespeare
Shakespeare understood the power of music, and he often spoke of it in his plays and sonnets. The good thing is every human can tap into the power of music – you don’t have to be a writer or an artist to benefit from it. Think about the following ways music touches lives. It can cure boredom, it can ease loneliness, it can trigger memories, and it can even help with learning.
If you are the parent of a preschooler, try one of the following ways to incorporate music into your child’s life. He or she will benefit greatly if you do!
1. Music Makes Exercise Fun!
Help your pre-schooler burn off excess calories with an impromptu dance party. Clear a space in the great room, put on some peppy tunes, and dance. It doesn’t matter what type of music you pick, it just matters that you present exercise as fun. You can even add props such as capes, hats, canes, and boas!
2. Music and Learning
You probably remember singing the “A, B, C Song”; however, you can expand your child’s memorization skills by making up little ditties to help them remember how to do specific tasks. It may sound silly, but it works. For example, my children knew when play time was coming to a close when I sang a tune that included the lyrics, “clean up, clean up, everybody clean up.” (Remember, you don’t have to be a great singer to do this – enthusiasm matters more).
3. Music and Feeling
Children benefit from learning about emotion. A fun way to discuss emotion is to play different types of music, then ask your child how the music makes him or her feel. Obvious songs to begin with are ones with the words happy or sad in the lyrics, but once your child gets the hang of the game, you can play instrumental music as well. Classical music works beautifully with this type of activity. (A word of caution – music can stimulate young minds; therefore, this game is best suited for mornings or early afternoons, not right before nap time or bedtime).
4. Music and Memory
I thought ahead with my children…way ahead. When they were preschoolers, I picked out two songs for them to associate with me, mom. Whenever they hear those particular songs today, memories of our time together comes flooding back…in a positive way. My songs are “What a Wonderful World”, sung by Louis Armstrong, and “I Love You Always Forever”, sung by Donna Lewis. All three kids tell me that whenever they hear these songs…not matter what version…they smile from ear to ear. What song can be special for you and your child?
As you can see, music can easily be made part of a preschooler’s life. I’ve barely scratched the surface in this article, but hopefully these ideas inspired you!