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10 ways to incorporate music into your preschooler's day:
1. LISTEN to music constantly -- and all different types!
Create different playlists for different activities or times of the day, plus have a good collection of "background music" for those quiet times, too.
We often spend time listening to these albums after we read our Bible stories in the morning and Gv is spending time playing. Since we focus on these verses for memory work (grab your cards here), listening to them being sung provides an easy way for Gv to review those that she's already learned while becoming familiar with upcoming verses as well.
I'll play classical music while we read books, but will often include a specific ballet that we've been reading about from this book to really make a connection.
If we're both active around the house (cleaning, playing, folding laundry, etc.), then I'll play music with some pep -- which could be anything from Disney soundtracks to Billboard hits to world music.
And are you looking for fun music that your kids will love and that won't drive you crazy? Check out my 31 Days of Great Children's Music series here for plenty of great ideas!
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| Dance like your hair's on fire! |
2. COMBINE music and movement
Have you grabbed these fun, free dance dice printables?
We're big fans of "dance parties" around here -- times when a particular favorite song will pop up and we'll just have to take a break to boogie.
Not only is this a fun way to connect to music, but it's great exercise, as well!
3. MAKE simple instruments
Whether it's shakers out of beans, rhythm sticks, jingle bells or just clapping your hands, even the youngest members of your family can join in with the band and enjoy creating music on their own!
4. START to sing
Sing Solfa is our favorite website for this!
Gv absolutely adores her "singing lessons" using this website. Not only is she having fun expressing herself with her own body's instrument, but she's learning some of the basics of music theory, too.
5. LEARN to play an instrument
If you don't already have an instrument at your house, pick up an inexpensive keyboard to help lay the foundation for your little musicians.
We love Hoffman Academy and even though Gv's still so young that the free resources are sufficient for us now, I know that as soon as she begins to get more serious about practicing on a regular basis, we'll be purchasing their (very reasonable) subscription!
6. TURN everything into a song
"Wash, wash, wash your hands -- get 'em nice & clean!"
This was a trick from my classroom days, somehow turning even the most boring directions or corrections into a song always made life better for my students. (Even Daniel Tiger knows this -- "flush & wash & be on your way!")
You don't have to be a great singer, either -- in fact, the crazier you sing, the more they laugh and are willing to "Pick that trash up off of the floor...then we can go through the door, door, door!"
7. Spend time FOCUSING on learning about music
Whether it's a composer study, in-depth look at a particular era or style, or exploration of a variety of instruments, kids love learning more about music!
We spend a chunk of time each year up to our ears (snicker, snicker) in all things music. See what all that includes at the Latticed Learning link here!
8. ATTEND concerts with your kids
You'll have to ease into this one, but summer is an especially great time to start introducing little listeners to your local symphony or orchestra. Find some (usually free!) outdoor concerts where you can spread a blanket and let the kids color or put together Legos and eat yummy picnic treats while fun "Pops" tunes play up on stage.
Usually the musicians are more than happy to answer questions about their instruments during the intermission - a cute kid showing a bit of interest in all those shiny brass tubas or the giant harp goes a long way in opening doors!
Many local orchestras even hold special concerts for little ones at a reduced rate to begin introducing them to the world of musical performance!
9. ALLOW your kids to record themselves
It could be singing, playing or dancing -- we have such easy access to technology these days (& such tech-savvy kids!) that this becomes a simple, thrilling activity for even itty-bitty children to try.
Go ahead and hand over your phone for an impromptu recording session -- and watch your child's creative ownership soar!
10. Finally, READ music-focused books
You can focus on the same topics highlighted up in #7 or find titles that are centered around best-loved songs like this and this, but bringing books into the picture will be sure to illuminate music for your children in a whole new way!
Do you have any other great ideas to add to this list? I'd love to hear! Either leave a comment below or email me at lisahealy (at) outlook (dot) com.
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