Play Classical Music to Strengthen Your Toddler's Listening Skills
Date :
Monday, August 30 2010
Source:
Autourina Mains
Music is a powerful tool that affects mood but most importantly it can help with growth and development of your toddler. Much research has been conducted on the affects of music (most especially classical music) and brain development. Researchers have found that classical music puts the brain in relaxed-alert and focused state which is optimal for learning and building memory. This is also known as alpha state. When toddlers are exposed to classical music their brain creates more pathways between its cells (neural pathways). The more neural pathways and connections the brain is able to build, the more it is able to learn new skills. These connections promote growth and development in every domain including literacy, creativity, and social/emotional.
Classical music can have the following benefits for your toddler:
• Rhythm
• Distinguish pitch
• Creativity
• Music can affect mood….it can have a calming effect and be soothing
• Build language skills
• Improve listening skills
So expose your toddler to classical music as early as possible. Toddlers love to swing, dance and move to music and playing any type of music is enjoyable. Though more research has been conducted on the affects of classical music, it does not take much research to understand how important music is. Think back to your favorite music and how it made you feel. When you listen to an old song it takes you back down the memory lane. Perhaps that is why so many couples have a special song “their song”. When you share music with your toddler by singing, playing music or playing an instrument, you are building a special bond.
When my children were little I always put on some music and took turns dancing with them. They all played an instrument in school and they all love to dance. Dancing to music is enjoyable but it also is a great sensory activity that develops large motor skills.
If you want your toddler to learn new concepts, put them to music. For instance singing the ABC song helps them learn the alphabet and singing “The Ants Go Marching One by One….” teaches counting. Music is a great tool in getting toddlers to help with cleaning their room, or helping you around the house. Most adults like to clean house, exercise and even drive while listening to music so it is no different for your toddler. She too is motivated by music.
Giving your toddler musical instruments can help him learn beat and improve his eye hand coordination (skills that are necessary for math and reading). Though toddlers are not able to read music, they will enjoy playing simple musical instruments such as tambourines, pipe whistle, rain sticks, shakers, bells, rattles, and drums. So take time to enjoy music with your toddler because you are helping him/her strengthen listening skills, strengthen cognitive skills, and develop social/emotional skills as the two of bond through music. My children still remember when we danced around the kitchen floor every Friday night as they were growing up.