Dancing to a different beat

This was written for ichild.co.uk and I thought it may interest you.

BABIES are reported to first hear music before they are even born. So it’s no surprise they love to dance, sing and play musical instruments before they are out of nappies. Music groups for babies have many proven benefits – not least because they are lots of fun. Forget any idea of children’s interest in musical instruments being limited to young prodigies. Anyone can enjoy the musical sessions offered in town halls, libraries and community centres.

There are different sessions from various franchises across the country, all introducing babies and toddlers to the joys of making music. Whether your local venue hosts one-off events or your area has a local franchise of a national music group – it’s worth finding out more.

Dr Carol Cooper says: “Babies and toddlers have an innate sense of rhythm, so music holds special appeal. They benefit from music sessions in many ways.

“An important lesson when using musical instruments is actually in the basic laws of physics - cause-and-effect being one of them.

“Another benefit is that moving in time to the music improves their coordination.

Even speech and language skills can benefit, because rhythmic movements and sounds assist in learning to speak.

“Another key element is that music sessions help a baby learn sustained play. This is important for his concentration skills later.

“Once a baby becomes a toddler, counting beats or notes becomes important, so music can even help with learning maths. “In fact music and maths have a lot in common.

The important thing is to let your child have fun at a pace that's right for him. He's learning all the time, even without becoming a musical virtuoso."

One of the leading UK groups is Musical Minis which was established in 1989 by Karen Sherr, a former play specialist at Great Ormond Street Hospital. The Musical Minis programme was designed to help parents and carers also join in gentle activities, to promote a “natural” attraction to music and to encourage good speech development through the repetition of much-loved nursery rhymes and stories. Musical Minis sessions last 45 minutes and are limited to 15 pre-school children. Time spent at Musical Minis introduces music and percussion, with an emphasis placed on a relaxed atmosphere. By focusing on rhythm, song, sound and movement, youngsters are encouraged to express themselves and love every minute of exploring instruments. Different styles of music – from classical to pop are featured. Lots of action songs are included so children can take part and raise the roof. Importantly, parents are encouraged to join in and have fun too so that the children can see them enjoying the activities.

The music is recorded so it can be listened to at a pace suitable for the very young. Karen says: “We aren’t aiming to teach children to be young musicians, but to help children's development and social skills through music, as we know music is something that most children will respond to. “As they are listening and responding to stories, songs, rhymes and poems, they are engaging all the senses and are enhancing communication, language and literacy.”Mathematical development comes from joining in with collecting, sorting, counting and number songs.” As well as exploring instruments, each individual session includes action songs to help with co-ordination, games to develop listening skills and a story which can teach rhythm and introduce orchestras. Karen adds: “With such rich rewards it is important that our children are exposed to music in an interactive setting as early as possible. It should be shared between adult and child and it can be so much fun.”

Comments

[Linda]

Hi Karen, I keep wanting to put something more about Musical Minis at www.havealovelytime.com - this could be a good one! Thank you! x