Bethesda Country Day School

Music has the power to calm a child or start a dance party. It allows kids to release energy and emotions while also helping them develop language skills. But music does even more—it helps unlock a child’s creativity and imagination. When children listen to music, they go on a journey of self-expression, exploring new rhythms, sounds, and melodies. Music allows them to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas in creative ways. It can spark vivid images and stories.

The benefits of music for preschoolers are endless and bringing it into your child’s daily routine can help both their creativity and development grow. Here are a few fun and easy ways to do just that.

Provide Opportunities for Hands-On Learning

Giving your child age-appropriate instruments is great, but they can also explore music with items around the house. Have a cabinet full of Tupperware or pots and pans? Now you have a drum set! Fill empty plastic bottles with rice or beans, and you have maracas. Whether store-bought or homemade, instruments help kids understand sound and explore rhythms. Let your child make their own instrument and watch their creativity grow!

Expose Children to Different Types of Music

Play different kinds of music for your child, like jazz, classical, or rock. Include music that makes them want to move fast or slow. Talk about the differences in tempo and how each one makes them feel. Listening to different types of music helps children learn about new sounds, rhythms, and cultures. It sparks their imagination and helps them think in new ways, supporting both their learning and emotional growth.

Incorporate Music into Daily Activities

Add music to your child’s everyday routines. Play soft music during bath or bedtime to help them relax. Put on calm tunes during family meals to set a peaceful mood. In the morning, play fun and upbeat music to get everyone energized! Encourage your child to dance and move to the rhythm, which helps build their motor skills, rhythm, and coordination.

Creative Play Through Music

One of our favorite preschool music activities we love to incorporate in our classrooms is listening to fun children’s artists. Their songs help kids develop language skills, strengthen their motor skills, and use their imagination. Fun songs like “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” by Dr. Jean or “We Are the Dinosaurs” by Laurie Berkner take kids on fun adventures, like squelching through mud to find a bear or visiting prehistoric times. After singing in a group, our students can often be found acting out the songs with their friends, which boosts their social skills and encourages creative play. Learn these songs and act them out with your child!

Create Silly Songs

Make up silly songs while doing everyday chores. You can start by creating your own songs to get your child’s creativity flowing. For example, sing “Washing dishes, washing dishes; Splish, splish, splash; Splish, splish, splash” to the tune of Frère Jacques. This is a fun way to promote language development and creativity while spending time together.

Music has a big impact on a child’s development. Whether through hands-on activities, listening to different musical genres, or making up songs, music gives children endless ways to express themselves and grow. By adding music to your child’s life, you’re helping them build skills that will last forever. So turn on the music, let your child’s imagination soar, and enjoy the creative journey together!