People embrace music whole heartedly throughout the world by listening, watching, dancing, singing or even creating it. Yes, that’s so true. What about the baby brain? Scientists have discovered that music has a positive effect on early brain development and its relationship to learning.

Maryann Harman, author of Building Brain with Music stated, “You may think you are bouncing and singing to a baby BUT that baby is internalizing rhythm which will one day lead to reading proficiency and understanding of mathematics.” The baby brain is not only listening to the sounds around them, it is trying to process the auditory information, make connections and store it for future use.

Scientist are diving deeper into the role of music, its function and location in the brain. Dr. Christina Zhao, a scientist at I-LABS, University of Washington, in Seattle stated in 2016, “Our study is the first in young babies to suggest that experiencing a rhythmic pattern in music can also improve the ability to detect and make predictions about rhythmic patterns in speech. This means that, engaging musical experiences can have a more global effect on cognitive skills.” I-LABS Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences center is leading the way with their discoveries on human learning., targeting early learning and brain development with brain imaging.

Music is a part of every culture, it’s a form of communication that touches people’s thoughts, moods and emotions. Music is passed down from one generation to the next, offering a way to understand and appreciate the past. Memories become aroused upon hearing songs associated with one’s youth or special events. Music influences one’s whole life. But wait there’s MORE……

What scientists are sharing is exciting! The baby brain begins its musical journey—early– in the womb. Music time activities help a baby to build, strengthen and connect pathways in their brain. Music during a child’s first seven years is not only linked to language development but engages the brain in many areas.

Music is valuable for one’s health, too! “Research has shown that listening to music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and pain as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory.” as reported by John Hopkins Medicine & Health. Yay for Music!

Wow! Music is always around us. Humans and nature are creating it every minute of the day. These musical sounds are powerful and welcomed by the brain. They’re directly responsible for firing neurons and making connections. Just amazing!

Happy days to you,

Kylene

Resources & References

Harman, Maryann, (2022), Building Brains with Music, Chapter-Bouncing Babies, Words Matter Publishing

John Hopkins Medicine, Keep Your Brain Young with Music, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/keep-your-brain-young-with-music

Kuhl, Dr. Patricia, (2018), Music and the Baby Brain, Simms/Mann Institute,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIQzleOmwEc

Zhao, Christina, (2016), Music improves baby brain responses to music and speech, Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences, University of Washington, UW News, Article by Molly McElroy,
https://www.washington.edu/news/2016/04/25/music-improves-baby-brain-responses-to-music-and-speech/

The post Let the Music Begin appeared first on Early Literacy Learning.

Dancing, snapping, clapping, tapping, humming, singing with others or self are all active ways to be involved with music. Playing an instrument and/or writing songs are creative ways to express oneself through music, too.

Children love music! Mary Anderson, an early childhood music educator and founder of My Music Starts Here, shared that for children, “This is when the fireworks go off in their brains and the real magic happens. Active music making harnesses the full power of music for children and is joyful and playful.”

Music may be heard from a stage-live, or in a car-recorded, ….really ANYWHERE there’s a source to sing or play it. Music can appear instantly when the mood strikes, round the campfire, hiking, washing dishes or ????????. Music is always within us regardless of one’s talent!

Yes, there are truly talented singers and songwriters. Many famous musicians are writing and preforming music for the public. Others are waiting to be discovered on the internet or win “The Voice” or the American Idol competitions. Let’s not forget the third category:

– – – the wanta be’s, the wishers, the only if I coulders ! – – –

They are now realists, knowing their unique voice has a special place at home. For there lives a receptive audience and a willing participant all rolled up into one, their child. Who’s ready, willing and able to appreciate their extraordinary musical talent!

This is my way of saying – just know it’s alright to just let go! Make music time a joyful experience, sing and dance away. Babies and toddlers really don’t care if it’s not done perfectly. They’ll love it no matter how it sounds or looks. In their eyes you are famous, a genuine celebrity, and they are your biggest fan!

Happy days to you,

Kylene

Resources & References

Anderson, Mary, early childhood educator & co-founder, My Music Starts Here, Music as a Pathway to Brain Building & Development in Early Childhood, Partners in the Arts, University of Richmond, https://blog.richmond.edu/pia/active-music-making/

UNICEF for every child, Parenting, Baby music: The soundtrack to your child’s development, https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/baby-music-soundtrack-to-development

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Music contributes to the brain development of the unborn baby’s auditory system and cognitive abilities! Prenatal exposure to music benefits both mother and fetus. For the mother, the tranquil music may help create a time of relaxation, thereby, reducing stress or nervousness. The fetus inside the womb will appreciate these special musical breaks, too.

Listening to lullabies, songs, nursey rhymes sung in their mothers’ voice or hearing peaceful music together will deepen the emotional bond between the fetus and mother. “The early relationship you, your partner and family have with your baby is really important.. How you meet their needs and care for them, shapes how their brain develops. This is as true before they’re born as when they arrive.” states Scotland’s National Health Service-NHS Inform.

Setting aside short blocks of time for Tummy Music within the day is better than longer extended periods – too long of a time may over stimulate the fetus.

Restful music time — decisions:

• How and what sounds will be presented to the fetus? (singing and/or playing the musical selections)
• Will a headphone be playing tunes for singer, or another family member be playing a musical instrument to provide support for the singer or musician?
• Where is a comfy spot to settle down into for this occasion?
• When is the best time to begin enjoying the sounds flowing through the air together?

On the go music time — decisions:

• When can it occur during the day? (possibilities–traveling in a car, tending to a garden, a leisurely walk and????)
• What is needed? (songs to sing or play———-to that audience of one)

It’s good to remember that you don’t have to sing an award-winning song. Short songs with soothing or up-beat melodies will be appreciated by the listener. It’s the sound of your special voice that counts!

Happy days to you,

Kylene

Resources & References

Mayo Clinic, (2022), Pregnancy week by week, Fetal development: 2nd trimester’,
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/fetal-development/art-20046151

NHS Inform, Scotland, (2023), Attachment and Bonding During Pregnancy,
nhsinform.scot/ready-steady-baby/pregnancy/relationships-and-wellbeing-in-pregnancy/attachment-and-bonding-during-pregnancy

Science Daily, (2014), Pregnant women respond to music with stronger physiological changes in blood pressure, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140520123513.htm

The post Tummy Music appeared first on Early Literacy Learning.

Musical connections begin in the womb. Dr. Daniel Levitin, who’s a musician and neuroscientist, explained in an interview how the perception of music starts, “We begin hearing music in the womb through the amniotic fluid – it sounds like listening to music underwater, such as in the bathtub or a swimming pool. The developing brain wires itself up to the patterns it hears, first in the womb and then as an infant. As we hear more and different kinds of music, our brain incorporates them into its wiring.“

Music time offers the baby in the womb exposure to sounds of speech. Singing and playing the same lullabies or simple songs repeatedly is best in the last trimester. Dr. Eino Partanen, in 2013 at the University of Helsinki, along with three other leading scientist studied the auditory learning of infants who previously had heard the familiar tune “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” played to them multiple times while in-utero. The results showed that the babies remembered those prior tunes up to four months after their birth. From this study and others, scientists are finding that prenatal musical experiences are important to language learning development.

What’s the relationship of classical music-specifically Mozart’s music to a baby in the womb and infants? In the 1990’s fetus research was presented to the world, called the “Mozart’s effect”. The results of this study were interpreted to mean – if a baby in the womb were to listen to the classical music of Mozart, it’s IQ would be increased. Today the majority of scientists do not agree with the “Mozart effect”. Currently there is not enough evidence to support the conclusion, that playing Mozart’s music develops smarter babies.. However, classical music does have many advantages. It was shared in a University of Georgia, Extension website article that “Researchers think that classical music is what primes the brain to solve spatial problems more quickly. So, listening to classical music may have different effects on the brain than listening to other types of music”.

Scientists are currently doing more extensive research, some studies are observing the facial expressions, movements of mouth and tongue of a fetus upon hearing different types of music in the womb. Numerous other discoveries are being made throughout the world concerning the relationship between music and the developing baby brain. Stay tuned for further research!

Singing and playing the same lullabies or simple songs is benefitable to the developing baby brain. Have a favorite song list handy, those are the ones that you don’t mind singing or hearing over, and over, again. It will be as if you are a professional musician, one who performs nightly to their very own fan club!

Happy days to you,

Kylene

Resources & References

Levitin, Dr. Daniel, (2019), neuroscientist & musician, The Neuroscience of Music: An interview with Dr. Daniel Levitin, by Isabel Pastor Guzman, BrainWorld, brainworldmagazine.com/easy-listening-the-neuroscience-of-music-an-interview-with-dr-Daniel-levitin

MindLabPro, (2025), Mozart Effect – Cognitive Enhancer Good OR Too to be True, Dougherty, Patrick-Reviewed by Velazquez, Ramon, Dr., https://www.mindlabpro.com/blogs/nootropics/mozart-effect?srsltid

Neuroscience News, (2023), Listening to Music During Pregnancy Benefits Baby Brain’s Ability to Encode Speech Sounds, https://neurosciencenews.com/pregnancy-music-speech-22997/

Partanen, Kujala, Tervaniemi, Huotilainen, (2013), Prenatal Music Exposure Induces Long-Term Effects, PLOS one, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3813619/

University of Georgia EXTENSION, (2022), The Role of Music in Brain Development, https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1053-06&title=the-role-of-music-in-brain-development

The post More Tummy Music appeared first on Early Literacy Learning.

The new baby brain is listening to all the sounds in their environment. At birth an infant has 100 billion brain cells. The cells control breathing, heartbeat and sucking while they are working hard to adapt to their new world. Other neurons are beginning to form neural connections at a fast pace of 1 million per second. The baby brain doubles in size in the first year and reaches 80% of its brain growth by age three.

One way to help a child build an outstanding brain is to introduce music into their life. Dr. Anita Collins, an educator, researcher and writer in the field of brain development and music learning, stated that, “Babies don’t understand language when they are born but they use their musical processing network to understand when a parent is speaking to them. The more variety on that speech and the more joy it includes gives babies a huge lexicon or dictionary of sounds to then start experimenting with language themselves. Just think of it as a varied diet for the ear, just like we encourage a varied diet for a baby’s body to grow. A variety of sounds make a baby’s brain grow, literally!”

Music is important and impacts all 4 developmental domains. Here is a partial list of its benefits:

The physical development of a human baby is unique, it’s a top-down growth. In the first months a baby’s body is gaining strength in its head and neck. By the third month the arms and hands are more active. Many more months will pass before the baby’s lower torso is able to support its own body weight. When that happens, watch out! Mobility is right around the corner!

Physical skills, attention span and mood are considered when choosing the first musical activities. As the baby’s physical strength increases, their capabilities to actively participate with music grows. Shaking hands, grasping objects, kicking feet are their early responses. When first introducing music it’s important to present it in short intervals of time. Babies can become overly excited by the sounds. Some infants may give a “time to stop” signal, by being fussy or starting to cry. Honor their wishes by accepting their communication. Try music time later-on, or even the next day. Being together, learning about each other through positive interactions is part of the musical journey.

A study of children 5 months to two years old showed their preference for music. “Researchers have discovered that infants respond to the rhythm and tempo of music and find it more engaging than speech.”, reported Science Daily. In those early months, really all through their young life, listening to songs or even made-up songs sung by their parents is important for a baby. Singing to an audience of one, will always be welcomed. Just know that according to the precious baby (the listener) — every performance is deserving of a Grammy!

– Music from one heart to another heart brings only pure joy. –

Holding the baby, providing direct eye contact and loving facial expressions during singing is all part of the warm exchange. Babies love and need to be the center of a parent’s attention. “Long before babies acquire spoken language, touch is a crucial channel of communication between caregivers and babies,” said Andrew Meltzoff, UW psychology professor and co-director of I-LABS., the study’s primary author. “Now we have the tools to see how the baby’s body is represented in the baby’s brain. This allows us to catch the first glimpse of a primitive sense of self that provides a building block for social learning.”

A baby has one huge job—LEARN! Its brain is charged up to learn. First, it’s about how to get its bodily needs met (food, rest etc.). Soon it’s all about their new family, body movements and surroundings. As the infant becomes older, their want for experiences which will expand their brain is fore front in their mind. The learning brain desires to gain more skills and knowledge-”feed me”-so says the brain. Parents are the special people, who are available to surround the baby with love and provide opportunities for learning about musical connections.

Well, just what are some of those musical connections? Great question! –That’s what is coming up. I’ll be sharing specific Music Time ideas and activities to use with your baby!

Happy days to you,

Kylene

Resources & References

Collins, Anita, Dr., Music educator, writer, advocate, researcher, speaker, and founder of Bigger Better Brains, (2017), Music and Neuroscience with Dr. Anita Collins, interviewer Kathryn Brunner, https://www.mymusikathome.com/blogs/news/music-and-neuroscience-with-dr-anita-collins

Eckart, Kim, journalist, University Washington News, (2018), A ‘touching sight’: How babies’ brain process touch builds foundations for learning, https://www.washington.edu/news/2018/01/16/a-touching-sight-how-babies-brains-process-touch-builds-foundations-for-learning/

ScienceDaily, (2010), Babies are born to dance, new research shows, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100315161925.htm#

The post The Baby and Music appeared first on Early Literacy Learning.

The infant has limited physical abilities during the first few months, in contrast their brain is absorbing and sorting surrounding sounds. The baby is receptive to music sung to them and played near them for short blocks of time. Creating and expanding their sound environment is an important goal. Here are the two main ways for making musical connections at this time.

If the brain could talk, it would actually say – “More, give me more”! Singing excites and ignites multiple areas located within the brain. Musical connections made when singing are the gifts that just keep on giving!

SINGING: a bit more

A parent singing tunes to a child unaccompanied or accompanied by music is welcomed. The songs sung by the singer-parent may be:

… familiar songs
… new songs
… “home-grown” originals

Familiar Songs

(Nursery Rhymes, Lullabies etc.)

There are many nursery rhymes, lullabies and other songs that may be sung to an infant. The baby doesn’t understand what the words mean that’s true. It’s the sound of the parent’s voice singing to their listening baby that develops a musical connection. On the right are three popular public domain songs. (A song in public domain may be freely used for any purpose-no copyright.)

Note: Parent movement while singing to an infant is beneficial. While holding a baby in one’s arms sway gently back and forth during music time.

New Children’s Songs

(new songs with original melodies and lyrics)

Talented musicians are creating new songs for children daily. Some lyrics help to teach about life’s necessities: eating, bathing, sleeping, etc. Other songs are designed to join the parent and baby together, sharing an emotional experience of love and caring. Musical selections may be viewed & heard on children’s TV programs, websites, YouTube or other social media platforms.

“Home-Grown” Originals

(changing the words NOT the melody of a public domain song)

Don’t panic—this is an exciting way to be creative! Let the songwriter hidden within — OUT! Creating a new melody is hard for many people. What seems to be easier is to start with an enjoyable known tune in public domain and change the lyrics to match its purpose. One good thing to take note of –if there’s a favorite song with a melody that one wishes to use at home, and it’s not in public domain yet—no worries. These are “home- grown” originals with a twist! Just remember that changing original lyrics to a non-public domain song may only be performed at home, unless one has permission and/or has paid a fee to the original songwriter.

When writing a “home-grown” original song remember there are no downsides, all songs will be accepted by the baby. The songs may be about what’s happening in the baby’s life or feelings of love held for the baby or informational (about family, animals etc.) or even silly giggly, wiggly nonsense tunes. One can mix in humming and la la la sounds, too. Just go for it!

Here are three examples of “home-grown” originals that I’ve created for Music Time.

These three melodies lend themselves to be used to make a variety of engaging new songs or “home-grown” originals. Stay tuned— MORE to come—in future posts!

Making musical connections with your baby has so many benefits. It feeds the brain and the heart, — a win, win for all!

Happy days to you,

Kylene

Resources & References

Decibel Pro: dB Sound Level Meter, Safe Decibel Levels for Babies, https:// decibelpro.app /blog/safe decibel levels for babies/

First 5 California, Humming, https://www.first5california.com/en-us/activities/humming-newborn-baby/

Harvard Gazette, (2020), Fre’re Jacques, are you sleeping?, Research shows lullabies in any language relax babies, https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2020/10/research-shows-lullabies-in-any-language-relax-babies/

Lensea, Miriam D., Shultzc, Sarah, Astesano, Cornie, Warren, Jones, (2022), Music of infant-directed singing entrains infants’ social visual behavior, Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, PNAS, https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2116967119

Winkler, Istvan, Haden, Gabor P., Ladnig, Olivia, Sziller, Istvan, Honing, Henkjan, (2009), Newborn infants detect the beat in music, PubMed, National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19171894/

Download your free resources here

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Interactive musical connections for a baby will start around their third month and extend throughout early childhood and beyond. A baby in their first year begins to express their musical connections by producing sounds or movements in multiple ways.

A baby may show these following behaviors when interacting with music. (partial list)

• be an engaged listener who responds by changing their mood.ex. during a transition period — from one routine to another emotions shift
• be an active participant who uses their voice to create speech sounds and other noises ex. vocally produces –babbling sounds, and/or parts of words or words
• be an active participant who uses their fine motor skills ex. wiggles fingers, shakes objects held in hands or claps
• be an active participant who uses their gross motor skills ex. sits to — bang objects together or make noises/sounds with a musical instrument

It’s exciting to know that learning about music helps a baby to understand about rhythm, rhyme, patterns and MORE! Music time is a positive way to enhance a baby’s communication skills. It’s an important link to language learning and their literacy success.

A young baby does change significantly during the last nine months of their first year. How and when they’ll become actively involved with music depends on each baby’s own developmental growth. Body movements, vocal sounds, facial expressions, and instrumental music- making (sounds/noises) are all part of music time. The box below presents suggested timelines for some milestones/skills that a baby may use when interacting with music.

By 6 months rocks
back & forth
begins to sit up
grabs things with hands
turns head towards sounds
facial expressions
giggles & laughs & smiles
babbling
kicks legs
makes squealing noises

By 12 months
sways and bounces
dance-(baby bop)
sits without help
holds objects longer
clapping
open hand pointing
copies movements
imitates sounds & few words
follows simple directions

Babies certainly do develop these skills/milestones at their own rate. Each baby will learn and grow at a different pace. They will require loving support to guide them towards everyday successes. Individuality is the spice of life!

Familiar Songs & Nursery Rhymes & Lullabies

There are an abundance of songs to choose from for a baby’s listening enjoyment and participation. Many nursery rhymes, songs and poems that have repetitive verses and/or actions are well received by the baby. An all-time favorite is the tune, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.

This familiar nursery rhyme may be sung as a lullaby, softly and at a slow pace without the hand motions before nap or bedtime. Or just declare it to be the perfect song for the moment and belt it out. The song goes quickly, remember that repetition of any song helps the brain acquire language faster— SO give it another go! Sing it again and again, – the baby brain says, “Yippee!”.

Sharing this song with or without the hand movements is an interactive experience for the baby and parent. In the beginning the baby starts off as a watcher and listener. Once the baby is older, and their finger/hand coordination has improved – clapping might appear. Later-on, they’ll try doing a few of the motions. Oh, and happy baby babbling sounds could start any time, too!

Find FREE Downloads Here

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Actions

1st line arms up, each hand at eye-level beside face – fingers pointing out to represent stars- bring fingers together in center of hand, touch tips together & back out (twinkling 3 times)

2nd line continue twinkling-shrug shoulders with facial expression of wonderment

3rd line twinkling hands-move higher above head as if going up to the sky

4th line keep twinkling high up above head

5th line slowly bring twinkling hands down to face level

6th line twinkle hands-shrug-and stop R

Enjoy using this song with your baby.First sing it without the motions, later add them. Your baby will be delighted with your lively body movements.It’s a performance that will become an all time favorite! P.S. Coming attractions —    MORE songs future posts!

Happy days to you,

Kylene

Resources & References

CDC- Center for Disease Control and Prevention, (2023), Important Milestones Your Child by One Year,
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-1yr.html

Mercy Top News, Learning Language Through Music: How Music Helps Baby Brain Development,
https://www.mercy.net/service/newborn-baby-care/music-brain-development/#:

WebMD, (2022), Baby Development: Your 6 Month Year Old – Healthy Baby Guide, https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/baby-development-6-month-old

Download your free resources here

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Music definitely is something that a baby and the whole family can enjoy together. Sing-alongs blend the sounds of the different generations and build memorable experiences. Internalizing the musical sounds is beneficial. It’s a pleasurable time that will deepen the social-emotional bonds for all who are involved. This is true – that’s for sure!

What else is happening in the baby’s brain? Their brain is using music in multiple ways throughout their early development. One important contribution of music is how it expands their knowledge of words and supports their speech production. “Speech and music unite in the form of song. Human speech and music both use characteristics of pitch, loudness, duration and timbre to communicate with the audience.” stated Dr. Jaan Ross of Estorian Academy of Music and Theater.

Nursery rhymes, songs and poems can be introduced to a baby and sung throughout their childhood. Learning is taking place every second during Music Time. Try to be consistent in the way each song is presented – timing, words and motions. The baby brain thrives on repetition. Go ahead now – AND hop on the band wagon – just sing away!

Familiar Songs & Nursery Rhymes & Lullabies

This short song called Pat-a-Cake does have actions. In the beginning a young baby may just wiggle or clap along as the parent sings and does the movements. Much later the baby will try to do more with the parent as their coordination skills improve.

Pat-a-Cake Actions

Hand motions – baby watches in beginning

First 2 lines

Parent claps putting their own 2 hands together, keeping the beat of the rhyme.

3rd line

Parent rolls hands sideways around each otherAND pats top of left hand with their right hand AND traces letter B in the air

4th line

Parent acts like putting cake in oven And when singing “Baby and me” hold arms as if rocking a baby

baby additional motions (older baby/child is facing parent).

First 2 lines

Hands crisscross – a parents’ right hand, touches /claps. The child’s right hand — next switch hands -a parent’s left hand – crosses to touch/clap the child’s left hand.3rd and 4th same as above except both the parent and baby make the motions

Open Shut Them is an interactive fun song to add to your baby’s song list. It uses hand motions with the lyrics to teach body parts. There are different versions of this familiar tune, below is one of the more popular ones.

Open, Shut Them Actions

Parent-set up to get ready- start with both hands made into fists

1st 2nd lines open both hands at same time and close hands – repeat for a second time Followed by a clap

3rd-4th lines
Repeat hand movements used first line Followed by hands going on lap

5th 6th 7th lines
Wiggle fingers on both hands – moving them slowly up sides body from lap, up to chin (spider like)

Last 2 lines
Open mouth, shake head meaning no- while fingers still near mouth

Baby may just watch, wiggle, make sounds or clap until ready to do some of the motions.

Hickory, Dickory, Dock is a familiar Mother Goose rhyme. Babies do like the pace and actions. Since it’s short it provides an opportunity to repeat it more than once during Music Time.

Find FREE Downloads Here

Hickory, Dickory Dock Actions

Parent-set up to get ready-

Place left arm horizontal in front of chest, place right arm with elbow on top of left hand, point up with right hand vertically with all fingers pointing up The right arm acts as a ticking pendulum – on a clock.

1st line

right arm, fingers point up, swings back and forth

2nd line

use left hand/fingers to represent a little mouse and have it run up your right arm while singing

3rd line

pointer finger on right hand goes up into the air, to represent the number 1

4th line

left hand (mouse) runs back down right arm

5th line
repeat movements used in line 1

Baby may just watch, wiggle, make sounds or clap until ready to do some of the motions.

Dr. Anita Collins in her book titled, The Music Advantage summed up the importance of singing, “For a baby, sound is music and music is information, and song is far more interesting than speech. Why? Because speech at this time in their lives is a group of sounds that make no sense, whereas a song has a lot more variation and information because of the inclusion of rhythm and melody to the speech.” With that in mind, here are three “Home Grown” originals I’ve written to be used during an interactive Music Time.

Singing—what a marvelous way to interact with your baby. It helps the baby brain learn vocabulary, motor skills and understand the routines of a day. Sing away with your little one!

Happy days to you,

Kylene

Resources & References

Collins, Anita, Ph D, (2021), The Music Advantage, How Music Helps Your Child DEVELOP, LEARN and THRIVE, Chapter 2 – Why your baby responds to music, Publisher: TarcherPerigee

Gaddy, Jayne, Clinical Psychologist, (2017), Music and Your Infant’s Brain Development,
https://www.jaynegaddy.com/single-post/2018/03/15/music-and-your-infants-brain-development

Ross, Jaan, Dr. (2023), Science of Singing: When speech and music combine, Estorian Academy of Music and Theater, https://medium.com/@researchoutreach/the-science-of-singing-when-speech-and-music-combine-3e3ac1099d39

ScienceDaily, (2022), Sensitivity to musical rhythm supports social development in infants, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221102123611.htm

Wallden, Krista, Creative Clips, clipart, https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Krista-Wallden-Creative-Clips

Download your free resources here

The post Interactive Sing Away appeared first on Early Literacy Learning.

An older baby’s interactive musical connections are expressed in many different ways. Their large motor skill development now allows their body to “get their groove on”! Active participation is easier. The baby’s arms can grasp objects and hold them longer. Their legs are physically stronger for kicking, crawling and sitting up. Music Time now encompasses a baby style of making music and moving to music. It may be presented as a solo performance while the music is playing or a “jam session” of merrily making sounds and noises.

The Baby Dance

In the beginning holding the baby close while moving to music starts the baby dance. It’s a partnership shaped by the musical sounds heard together. ”For babies, the musical component of interactive movement and dance routines provides them with stimulating rhythm and enveloping personal touch that may have a profound effect on their development.” stated Michael Hogan Ph.D. in an article titled, Dancing With Your Baby. Rocking back and forth or swaying side to side while listening to the beat of the song together is a valuable experience.

When the baby is older, a parent may hold their baby in a couples’ slow dance-position. Support the weight of the baby’s body with one arm and clasp their hand or hands. This allows for livelier movements. Presto — as dance partners there’s twirling and giggling to be done!

Once a baby’s large muscles allow them to stand while holding onto something and there’s music playing–watch for the famous “booty bounce” to appear. Spoiler alert–it won’t be too long before their first solo dance may follow!

A baby will communicate their own level of “want” for the length of Music Time—and will send out a clear message that shares whether to continue or not. Always honor their desire, for there are more dance parties to be had by all.

Making Music — OR better known as — Making Sounds and Noise

A baby is not ready to play a masterpiece on a grand piano quite yet, that’s for sure!. Instead, they will bring on the banging and clanging whether one is ready for it or not— “for the beat must go on and on”. Here’s how and what one may use to help with those musical experiences at this early active stage.

SAFETY is the number one consideration. Remember they are still in the “taste test period”
and everything goes right into their mouth.

• Soft edges only – cover all sharp edges with tape-(duct tape may work) for protection.
• LIDS must be secure – tape or glue them closed, –if GLUE—be sure it’s safe for babies!
• Wooden spoons must be in good shape – or splinters could get into their mouth.
• Whole objects may be covered with sticky contact paper and lots of tape. This hides what is inside and makes it colorful on the outside. (plastic bottles, small tin cans etc.)
• Check the sound producers regularly – in case they are in need of repair or replacing.

Once a collection of musical objects has been gathered, it’s time to make a music box. Place the items into a container for safe keeping, ready and waiting for Music Time. One may decide to place the music box on the bottom shelf of a kitchen cupboard or another different storage location. Start with about six or so items to go inside their music box. Later-on, switch out a few for different ones and watch how they try to figure out how each newly introduced sound producer works. Home-made items, toy and real musical instruments all are beneficial tools for expanding a baby’s musical connections. Their baby brain is bustling away inside with musicality, learning is taking place.

Select some lively music for the baby to hear as they shake and drum away. The baby will happily entertain themselves as well as anyone else who is around. What interesting sounds will now fill the air!

How about a little adventure? O.K. Let’s take Music Time on the road and share the talent. Going out of the house to join a music club or class combines singing, dancing and music making with social interactions. Engaging with other parents and their babies is a unique opportunity!

One needs to consider a group activity may not always bring happiness. Babies are still in the me stage and sharing is not in their bag of tricks. Just because a parent signs up both participants, doesn’t mean it will be an immediate success. It will depend on the mood of the baby, the actual overall session and so many other variables. This should be a fun activity for both the parent and the baby. Continual frustrations and upsets by the adults or other babies during a session will impact the entire experience. However, a positive musical jamboree brings multiple benefits for all.

If being part of an outside musical group isn’t the right fit — have no worries— family Music Time is a grand way to involve the baby with a musical group!

Put some music on, grab some musical items and your baby, it’s a family musical shindig. Or let loose and dance together to some favorite tunes. Party on and let the music flow!

Happy days to you,

Kylene

Resources & References

ABC Magazine, Benefits of musical toys for babies and how to make your own, McKinsey, Ellie,
https://abcmag.co.uk/benefits-of-musical-toys-for-babies-and-how-to-make-your-own//

John Hopkins Medical Health, The Growing Child: 10-12 Months,
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-growing-child-10-to-12-months

Psychology Today, (2014), Dancing With Your Baby, Hogan, Michael, Ph. D.,
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-one-lifespan/201409/dancing-your-baby

University of Washington Institute For Learning & Brain Sciences, (2016), Music Improves Baby Brain Responses to Music and Speech, I-LABS, https://ilabs.uw.edu/i-labs-news/music-improves-baby-brain-responses-music-and-speech/

University of Washington Institute For Learning & Brain Sciences, (2016), Music Improves Baby Brain Responses to Music and Speech, I-LABS, https://ilabs.uw.edu/i-labs-news/music-improves-baby-brain-responses-music-and-speech/

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