Why is 'Music Time' so important?

If you are the sort of person who freezes at the thought of leading 'music time', be assured that it's not about a polished performance from the toddler group leader. Rather, it's the music, lyrics, actions, being together and having fun which make 'music time' so important.

The importance of music

Singing to babies is a natural, almost intuitive, part of caring for them. Throughout history and across cultures parents have sung to calm and soothe, or entertain and excite, their offspring. Even if they're not actually singing, adults will often use a quasi-musical voice (incorporating rhythm and/or rhyme) and rhythmical movements to engage with small children.

There's also some evidence that small children will recognise and respond to the sounds they have heard in the womb. So, music has the power to influence our toddlers' moods and hold their attention as well as build relationship and emotional bonding.

Because music can have a deep and long-lasting impact, it can be a powerful educational tool. Your 'music time' should stimulate the senses of hearing, sight and touch in a slightly more melodic way than the usual chatter and noise of a toddler group!

It's been suggested that this rich sensory environment causes the formation of more pathways between the cells in the developing brain, particularly if the children are actively involved rather than just listening. This results in children who are better at reading and maths when they start school, who are better able to focus and control their bodies, and who play better with others and have a higher self-esteem.⁽¹⁾

There is also evidence that "singing, rhymes, musical games and listening to music are potentially beneficial to infant and child physiological and emotional well-being and early learning." And toddler groups have a vital role to play, as it's been found that "Mothers do not know a wide repertoire of songs for singing to and with their children; they rely on learning songs from early childhood groups they attend."⁽²⁾

The importance of lyrics

Musical learning, in general, explores concepts like volume, pitch and tempo. In addition to this, songs - through their lyrics - can provide an easy way to remember facts. There are several songs about the alphabet and numbers; there are also songs which teach the colours of the rainbow, body parts, and even foreign languages. Other songs can affirm individuals by name, provide a moral framework, promote Christian values, and introduce people to God. Songs can be an acceptable way to teach simple Biblical truths to people who aren't familiar with church.

The importance of actions

But 'music time' can be much more than simply singing songs. If you are able to incorporate some clapping rhythms, instruments, and a few action songs or dances, then you can develop the children's co-ordination and also their fine and gross motor skills.

The importance of being together

Children learn important social skills when they take part in musical activities together, including: being part of a group, following a routine, working together, and taking turns. The time they spend with other children and the attention they receive can boost their confidence and self-esteem, and also their concentration and self-control. They get to hear a range of voices and sounds, and watch other children responding to the music too.

Within a toddler group session, 'music time' may be the only part where everyone is gathered together and you have their (almost) undivided attention. This is a golden opportunity to give out notices, to welcome new-comers so that everyone knows their names, to celebrate birthdays, and to build a sense of community.

The music itself can be a great way to promote understanding and inclusivity. If you're part of a multi-ethnic group, you could invite adults to share songs from their cultures. If they don't feel comfortable singing, they could do this by bringing along some recorded music, which the children could clap, conduct or play instruments to. The same method could be used to introduce a variety of musical styles to the group. Try including some classical, folk, jazz or pop music to reflect the interests of all the adults present.

The importance of having fun

Get the kids rocking and rolling, tapping and clapping, banging and shaking, marching and stamping, moving and swaying to the beat - and they will be having a really great time. And the adults will too!

(1) Preschool music article, from kidshealth website
(2) Music One-to-One, a study by the University of Exeter, 2004-2006

Last Updated 06 December 2010