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.

Baby Shark, Pinkfong

Blippi, Fire Truck

Clap Your Hands, The Kiboomers

Freeze Dance Song, The Kiboomers

Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes, Mother Goose Club

If You’re Happy, Cedarmont Kids

Itsy Bitsy Spider, Barney

Shake My Sillies Out, Raffi

The Elmo Slide, Elmo

The Wheels On The Bus, Cedarmont Kids

This Is The Way, Super Simple Songs

Walking, Walking, Super Simple Songs

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