You’re sitting in your family music class class, and your teacher sings the first line of a song– “Oh, John the Rabbit.” In response, you sing, “Yes ma’am!” A little later on, your teacher might split the room in half, with one half singing the verse and the other singing the answer. In both experiences, you have to listen closely and wait until it’s your turn to sing. It might be a bit difficult to stop yourself from singing along with every part, especially for young children, but you do your best. This experience gives everyone great practice in inhibitory control! This executive function skill includes the ability to filter distractions, think before acting, and resist temptation (like peeking at your presents before your birthday!). Research has shown that all executive function skills are essential to success in school and life. Imagine getting through a day at work or school without inhibitory control…
Music and Supporting Your Child’s Development
Many song activities in the Music Together® curriculum give children a chance to practice inhibitory control as they also develop musically. For instance, songs and chants like “John the Rabbit” (from our summer semester) and “Rocketship” (happening now!) involve that familiar call-and-response structure. This pattern allows children to learn and practice new skills (like inhibitory control) in an engaging, enjoyable way. And the learning doesn’t stop in class. You can reinforce the skill of inhibitory control at home with simple call-and-response activities. You might engage your child as you sing, “Let’s tie our shoes now,” and have them or another adult in the room sing, “Yes, ma’am!” or you may call their attention when returning from an energetic activity by “shushing” a rhythmic pattern, and having them “shush” it back!
What Age Is Best to Start Music Class?
Your child is never too young to start making music and soaking in all of those developmental benefits. Early exposure and lots of opportunities to practice skills forms a strong foundation that children can build on for the rest of their lives. In fact, when it comes to executive functions, we adults can benefit from practicing them, too!
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