The research linking early childhood development and music is growing steadily. Studies have shown that young children who participate in music classes have more development in spatial-temporal reasoning skills, math and reading skills, as well as self control and social development. Kindermusik classes work to enhance these skills in young children, while exposing them to music and movement.
What is Kindermusik?
According to Talita Feuerstein, owner and operator of the Kangaroo Club in Medford, MA, “Kindermusik is a worldwide known music and movement program for children age newborn to 7 years. The classes helps children develop early literacy, acquire reasoning and early math skills, increase self-control, and cultivate a lifelong love of music.”
Kindermusik classes involve interacting with children in various ways set to music. This can include follow the leader style instruction, shape and object recognition, as well as producing sounds and music with bells, triangles and drums.
Classes are tailored to infant, preschool and older child groups, with specific learning and behaviors aimed at each one. Preschoolers may learn shapes by laying sticks in a triangle, to help them develop math and geometry skills, while toddlers will learn spatial reasoning by passing through tunnels, or placing large items into small spaces.
How does Kindermusik Help Child Development?
Kindermusik aids in child and infant development through the use of music. In a child’s brain, neurons begin firing as they listen to and produce music. These same neurons are later used in literacy, math and spatial-temporal reasoning.
Additionally, the children will be able to work on fine and gross motor skills as they manipulate shapes, and learn to move to and make music. The classes are social, and allow young children to interact with one another in a structured environment from an early age.
Additional Benefits of Kindermusik
Any parent who has ever sung to their child, only to watch them stop fussing and grow calm knows the benefits that music can produce. In addition to the child growth and development that takes place in the classes, children and their parents can have fun.
Children will not only enjoy listening to music as they learn and play with shapes, colors and follow the leader style movements; they will be learning to make music themselves. Beating drums, shaking tambourines, beating sticks together; children will be learning about rhythm and enjoying the experience of making music themselves at the same time.
Parents are often encouraged to be involved with their children, with some family style classes being offered as well. This can lead to parent and child, and family bonding, as well as a safe and fun place for parents to bring their young children to have them interact with one another and with age appropriate toys and activities.
With so many benefits for parents, children and families, Kindermusik continues to be a popular activity for everyone involved.
Sources:
Discovering Mathematics Through Music by Heidi Gilman Bennett
Music & Social-Emotional Development by Molia Dumbleton, M.A., M.A. and Heidi Gilman Bennet
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