When I was growing up, I have fond memories of music always playing in the house. I love familiar songs offering a soundtrack to my day and although Wesleigh is a fan of Paul Simon and Tom Petty, we mix up the playlist with some Raffi and Pinkfong often.
As we continue to stay mostly inside our home, movement songs have been a great activity for Wesleigh to get her wiggles out through dance. Children are born musicians, they can feel music physically and emotionally and there is a lengthy list of developmental benefits to the combination of music and movement instruction.
Literally speaking, research suggests music supports language development, the precursor to reading. Music and movement strengthens listening, improves balance and spatial awareness, as well as many other things. This is a terrific way to foster processing both left (language) and right (visual) sides of the brain for optimal learning.
While I’m not a child development professional, my mother-in-law is a children’s speech language pathologist and emphasizes how these songs relate back and reinforce daily activities which we have found to be helpful. Additionally, this past winter, USC announced it received a grant advancing studies into how musical training boosts childhood brain development. After Wes gets her dance moves and the lyrics down, looks like we’ll have to pick up an instrument and learn to play…
Until then, I’m sharing twelve songs (including a few well known classics) that have become a part of our day, keeping Wes entertained and stimulated for our own type of indoor recess.
Clap Your Hands, The Kiboomers
Freeze Dance Song, The Kiboomers
Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes, Mother Goose Club
If You’re Happy, Cedarmont Kids
The Wheels On The Bus, Cedarmont Kids
This Is The Way, Super Simple Songs
Walking, Walking, Super Simple Songs
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Aimey
Head shoulders knees and toes is it favorite. We haven’t heard of some of these so guess what we will be doing this afternoon?