Using Music as a Tool for Teaching: How to Turn Your Toddler into a Tiny Mozart (or at least, someone who mostly claps on beat)
- Ms. Bethany
- Aug 19, 2024
- 4 min read
Parenting a toddler is like being a DJ at a 24/7 dance party—except the crowd is incredibly picky, and the playlist is mostly songs about farm animals. But did you know that all those catchy tunes and little dance breaks are doing more than just keeping your toddler entertained? They’re actually teaching them about themselves and the world around them.
Music is one of the most powerful tools you have for helping your child learn. It’s fun, it’s engaging, and best of all, you don’t need to be a professional musician to use it. Let’s dive into how you can harness the power of music to turn everyday moments into learning opportunities.
*(Want to skip right to the fun? Check out this fun music lesson segment from our latest video!)
Why Music Works (Even If You Can't Carry a Tune)
Music isn’t just a pleasant background noise—it's a full-on brain workout for your little one. Dr. Anita Collins, an expert in neuroscience and music education, explains that music activates almost every part of the brain simultaneously, which helps to build connections and strengthen cognitive development.
Listening to and participating in music can boost your toddler’s language skills, memory, emotional regulation, and even math abilities. Yes, that’s right—your toddler’s enthusiastic banging on a drum is basically the preschool version of algebra!
Activity 1: Musical Storytime
Turn your toddler’s favorite book into a musical masterpiece! Sing the words instead of reading them, and encourage your child to join in. You don’t have to be the next Beyoncé to pull this off—simple melodies work just fine.
Pro Tip: Add sound effects or actions to represent different characters or events in the story. For instance, if there’s a lion in the book, growl together whenever it appears. This not only makes storytime more fun but also helps with comprehension and memory.
Expert Insight: According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), combining music with reading can significantly enhance a child's literacy skills. It’s all about creating connections between the words and their meanings.
Activity 2: Kitchen Band
You don’t need expensive instruments to make music. In fact, your kitchen is probably filled with potential percussion instruments. Grab some pots, pans, wooden spoons, and let your toddler go wild.
Activity Idea: Create simple rhythms for your toddler to follow. Start with a basic “tap-tap-clap” pattern and see if they can mimic it. This activity not only teaches them about rhythm but also helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Real Talk: Yes, this will be loud. Very loud. But on the bright side, it’s also a great way to burn off some of that endless toddler energy.
Activity 3: Lullaby Lyrics
You already know that lullabies are magical sleep-inducers, but did you know they’re also powerful learning tools? Take some time to sing traditional lullabies, but don’t just stick to the words as they are. Mix it up a little—insert your child’s name into the song or add a line about their day.
Example: Instead of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” try “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little [Child’s Name], How I wonder what you did today…”
Expert Insight: Research published in the journal Early Child Development and Care shows that personalized songs can strengthen the bond between parent and child, while also helping toddlers understand and express their own experiences and emotions.
Activity 4: Musical Hide and Seek
This one’s a double-whammy: it combines the excitement of a game with the educational power of music. Hide a small music-playing device (like a phone or Bluetooth speaker) somewhere in a room and have your toddler find it by following the sound.
Why It Works: This activity sharpens their listening skills and teaches them about sound localization—basically, understanding where a sound is coming from. Plus, it adds a layer of excitement to an ordinary day.
Pro Tip: You can use different types of music to teach your child about various genres or instruments. Maybe classical music for one round, and some lively jazz for the next!
Activity 5: Dance Party Learning
If you’re not having regular dance parties in your living room, you’re missing out on one of the simplest ways to teach your child through music. Throw on a playlist of songs that cover a range of topics—numbers, animals, body parts, you name it—and let loose. Encourage your child to sing along, make up their own dance moves, or even play “Freeze Dance” where they have to stop and think when the music pauses.
Expert Insight: As per Dr. Helen Neville, a developmental psychologist, moving to music helps with spatial awareness and coordination, while the lyrics can enhance vocabulary and comprehension. It’s a full-body learning experience!
Final Thoughts
Incorporating music into your toddler’s day doesn’t have to be complicated, and it certainly doesn’t require a musical degree. Whether you’re singing made-up songs in the car, banging on pots and pans, or twirling around the living room, you’re helping your child learn in ways that will stay with them for years to come.
And remember, perfection isn’t the goal here. It’s okay if you can’t hold a note or if your rhythm is a little off. Your toddler thinks you’re the greatest performer ever—off-key singing and all. So crank up the tunes, let your hair down, and enjoy these moments of musical fun. You’re not just raising a tiny dancer; you’re raising a lifelong learner.
We hope you enjoy this fun toddler music lesson from us at Tiny Tube! Be sure to check out the full video, and don't forget to subscribe!
Sources:
Collins, Anita. The Neuroscience of Music: Why We Love Making Music. Ted-Ed.
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Using Music to Support Early Literacy Development.
Neville, Helen. Child Development and Music: The Cognitive Benefits of Dance and Song.
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