As it turns out, singing along with your child to Sesame Street songs is a great way for your child to learn and develop. Time and time again, studies have shown that making and listening to music can help your child develop social and literacy skills, and may even aid in your child’s ability to concentrate in a classroom setting.
When a young child listens to music, plays a musical instrument, or even dances to music, lots of important things start to happen. The brain starts forming connections that create pathways for learning opportunities such as literacy enhancement and math comprehension. Besides all of the wonderful benefits of music, it’s also really fun! So, if you’re stuck inside on a rainy day, or just want to add a little more pep in your child’s day, try some of these music activities for preschoolers, and get your child moving!
Guess That Tune
Clap or tap out your child’s favorite nursery rhyme or song. See if they can figure out what it is, and get them to sing along. If you want to make it more challenging, clap out the tune, but this time in slower, more delayed beats.
DIY Xylophone
Fill an assortment of water glasses with varying levels of water. Line them up in order from least to most full. Use an object like a mallet or a pencil and have them experiment with different sounds. For extra fun, add food coloring, and make a musical rainbow!
Draw What You Hear
This game is a fun, abstract way for your child to creatively interact with music. Turn on some music of your choice, and lay out an assortment of markers, colored pencils, and paper for your child to draw on. Ask them to draw what they hear playing. It doesn’t have to be a Picasso-esque drawing! The goal is to help your child associate feelings and colors with music.
Make Music in the Kitchen
You don't have to have musical instruments in your home to have a musical time! Pull out pots and pans of various sizes, grab a wooden spoon, and you have a homemade drum set! If you want to experiment with sounds, grab closed containers of pasta, or bowls filled with beans for a drum solo on the floor of your kitchen.
Freeze Dance
Turn on some of your toddler’s favorite tracks, and get to dancing! The object of this activity is to dance to music until the music stops. Once the music stops, FREEZE! See what funny positions you both end up in, and how long you can hold them.
Sing in the Shower
When it’s time for a bath, nothing is more fun than turning the bathroom into a symphony hall. Next time your child takes a bath, close the curtain of the shower and have them sing and play around with the acoustics. In the bathroom, everyone’s a music star.
If you’re interested in getting your child into music, The Music Room is a great, safe place to introduce your child to all kinds. Call us for more information.