How can you help your child get ready for Kindergarten? Read to them? Count with them? Teach them colors and shapes? Absolutely, but don’t just think of activities that are traditionally academic. Children’s brains are developing and strengthening neural pathways starting in infancy. You should expose your child to all kinds of different stimuli.
Studies have shown that child music education improves a child’s math and language skills. Music follows patterns, as do many other things that a child will be expected to learn. Adding music to any lesson makes the learning much easier. How many of us sang the preamble of the constitution in middle school?
Music is something that everyone can understand on some level. Have you ever seen a baby in diapers dancing to the music? They’re just bending their knees in time with the music and laughing up a storm. A child’s brain is developing as they grow. They can experience the same thing multiple times and understand it on a deeper level each time. This is why teachers introduce the same topic over and over, giving the child more detailed information each time.
Things that are good for “normal” children often have an even greater impact on children with special needs. Autism is a perfect example. Children with autism can’t communicate well in the same way that most people do. They need a different way to communicate. Music is a non-verbal way to express yourself and connect with others.
When is the right time to start? There is no wrong time. You can find baby music classes for you and your child to participate in together. There are classes for older children who learn to dance, sing, or play an instrument. There’s even still time to get involved if you’re an adult!
So get started with your kids today! Turn on the music and dance and sing with them at home. Look for a child music class in your area. And here’s the best part: the kids just think they’re having fun!
