From lullabies at bedtime to dancing during playtime, music is a universal part of a young child’s life and for good reason. At Training Wheels Childcare, we know that music isn’t just entertaining it’s an essential tool for supporting brain development, emotional growth, and school readiness. Let’s explore the research-backed benefits of music, how we integrate it into the classroom, and ways families can keep the rhythm going at home.
Music and the Developing Brain: What the Research Says
Music activates multiple areas of a child’s brain at once—engaging areas responsible for language, memory, movement, and emotion.
According to a study by the Brain and Creativity Institute at the University of Southern California:
- Children who engage in music regularly show stronger language development, reading skills, and auditory processing abilities.
- Music instruction can accelerate brain development in areas tied to sound processing, speech perception, and executive function.
A report from the National Association for Music Education also found that music helps young children:
- Improve memory and listening skills
- Increase social-emotional regulation
- Build spatial-temporal reasoning, which is linked to early math and science skills
Why Music Belongs in Daycare
In high-quality childcare programs like Training Wheels, music is intentionally woven into the daily rhythm of the classroom. It’s not just for circle time, it’s a consistent, developmentally rich experience. Music is especially helpful for nonverbal children or those learning English as a second language. Repetition, rhythm, and melody help with speech acquisition and memory retention.
Here’s how music enhances our daycare environment:
- Morning Welcome Songs: Set a positive tone and help with transitions
- Rhythm Instruments: Encourage coordination, fine motor skills, and cause-and-effect learning
- Movement Songs: Support gross motor development and self-regulation
- Singing Together: Builds community and boosts confidence
- Music and Storytelling: Strengthens comprehension and narrative skills
- Calming Music at Rest Time: Helps children relax and regulate emotions
How Parents Can Use Music at Home
You don’t need a music degree to make music part of your child’s home life. Here are easy, fun ways to incorporate music into your daily routines:
- Start a Morning Song: Pick a short, upbeat song to sing every morning. It sets a cheerful mood and helps with transitions.
- Make Instruments Together: Use pots, wooden spoons, or rice in jars to explore rhythm and sound.
- Dance Breaks: Turn up the music and get moving! Dancing helps with balance, coordination, and energy release.
- Create a Bedtime Playlist: Soft, instrumental music can help calm and cue the brain for sleep.
- Sing Instructions: Try singing directions instead of saying them: “It’s time to wash your hands!” This makes routines more playful and memorable.
- Use Repetition: Children love hearing the same songs again and again. Repetition builds memory and language comprehension.
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- Need inspiration? Try free playlists from platforms like Spotify Kids, PBS Kids Music, or Sesame Street.
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At Training Wheels Childcare, we believe in nurturing the whole child and music plays a powerful role in that mission. Whether your child is clapping to the beat, learning the ABCs through song, or simply enjoying a gentle lullaby, music helps them grow in ways that words alone can’t. By embracing music at school and at home, we give young children a joyful, meaningful foundation for lifelong learning.