Music is a universal form of communication for all generations, cultures, and ages.  Music supports all areas of young children’s development and provides a nurturing learning environment.  The following are benefits for integrating music and early childhood development:

  • Singing to an infant while rocking her stimulates early language development, attachment and supports an infant’s developing spatial awareness
  • Singing with toddlers and preschool age children creates a social experience that builds relationships and cooperation
  • Playing music from the children’s culture promotes self-esteem and creates continuity between the home and caregiving setting
  • Playing music enhances children’s motor skills as dancing and finger plays usually accompany a favorite song
  • Singing is an equal opportunity experience since it doesn’t matter if a child or caregiver sings in tune, rather it is the engagement that is most important

As you celebrate the first day of the Week of the Young Child, may you “Dance like nobody’s watching and Sing like nobody’s listening!” In other words, may music fill your heart with the joy that comes from contributing to the learning and care of our future Leaders!

*information taken from Zero to Three website and an Irish proverb