The Joy Of Music

“Can I teach you a new song about hot chocolate?” I ask the toddlers as we gather in a circle. I immediately have their rapt attention as they excitedly hold their pretend mugs and learn the words so they, too, can make yummy hot chocolate for a fast cheetah. After we have made hot chocolate for an elephant, unicorn, shark, and mouse, we all stand up and begin stomping like elephants, jumping like kangaroos, and swinging like monkeys as we sing and dance to the “Animal Freeze Dance.” This is a place where learning is happening.

Music offers numerous benefits for young children, and they seem to have a natural connection to it. Whether we are singing a song during group time or playing one of our favorite songs through the stereo, every child is engaged in their own way. They may be quietly listening or singing at the top of their lungs. It’s almost impossible for a child to resist dancing to one of the many fast-paced movement songs we play. The joy in the classroom is palpable as the children giggle, watching one another creatively figure out how to wiggle like a worm or stretch like a cat.

In the Spring Room, we use music for a variety of purposes. We use it to teach about kindness, express creativity and joy, practice gross and fine motor movements, and to signal transitions. Whether it’s circle time, clean-up, or the end of the day, the children understand what to expect next based on the music. It’s one way we continue our play, even when it’s wrapping up. It’s amazing how fun clean-up has become and how the children happily participate. Many even look forward to that time of day because it often means we’ll play more music once the clean-up songs are over.

Music is also a form of connection we use with the seniors in memory care. The children are delighted to hand the bells and shakers to the grandmas and grandpas and enjoy teaching them the new songs we’ve learned. The grandmas and grandpas sing along with us, smiles wide on their faces, laughing as the children move in silly ways and suggest funny ways to change the songs. “There’s a dinosaur chasing us in our boat! Hurry, let’s row our boat quickly!” I continue to be amazed at the creativity they show while engaged in song and dance.

When it’s time to end our day, our favorite song is “Sleeping Bunnies.” This song holds a special significance for the Spring Room. We sang it to the children on the first day of school and have continued to sing it every day since. The children understand that when we sing this song, their grown-ups are almost there to pick them up. Whether using it to help with focus and memory or to move our bodies and practice coordination, we love using music in multiple ways to help support joy and learning in the classroom.