More Than the Music
It’s not unusual for parents to start teaching their children at home as early as possible. From numbers to ABC’s, many parents build these concepts into everyday life before enrolling in preschool or kindergarten. Music instruction is also something that can start as soon as the grownups are ready. There is no minimum age for learning!
Music Together® classes focus on teaching music the best way babies learn – through play! Through experimentation, trial (and sometimes error) and watching the grownups they love, children get to know the world around them. Making music a part of that world helps your child develop musical skills right from the start. It doesn’t stop there, though. Taking a music class can teach babies so much more!
Sharing and Cooperation
Instruments are a key part of Music Together class. To start the activity, the teacher will often place all of the instruments in the middle of a room for children to choose the one they like. But, what happens when two babies go for the same egg shaker? They could get upset, or they could get real life practice in how to take turns and share with one another (with guidance from their grownups, of course). Getting this kind of social interaction before school sets children up for success. They will make friends easier and have a better chance at success in school!
Following Patterns
It’s no surprise that patterns are everywhere in music, and learning to recognize patterns is a valuable skill. When babies can “fill in the blank” either during a conversation or during a song activity, they’re learning how to draw conclusions and react to the world around them in ways that make sense. There are plenty of opportunities to follow patterns in class, whether they join in by singing, bouncing, clapping, or cooing. As babies watch their grownup interacting with these musical patterns, they are learning how they work!
Following a Model
While Music Together classes are pretty free-form for the little ones, the grownups in the room typically follow the teacher. The teacher claps, the grownups clap! The teacher stands, the grownups stand. Babies see this physical call-and-response and learn to recognize who is “in charge” and follow those social cues. This is helpful as babies learn to navigate the world and build understanding of how to interact with other people. While it’s never required, children will often follow along in the activity of their own free will!
Pre-school Preschool
So, while children younger than four have to wait for formal school, they are still learning valuable skills every day. In the relaxed, mommy-and-me style of Music Together classes, grownups with little ones can take that natural learning to a whole new level – with music! Children develop musical skills, social skills, and a stronger bond with their caregivers all while having a ton of fun.
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