As the mother of a two year old, I am always looking for activities that encourage learning and development. I find that most of the activities we do together that result in learning are purely by coincidence and luck and not by any skill or training I have.
Wiggles Trump Keith Urban
As of late, my son has shown a real passion for music. He has even begun to differentiate between styles of music he likes and dislikes and his preferences seem to be Contemporary Christian music and Country (Keith Urban). Of course both of those fall behind any song produced by The Wiggles! But I digress. The point is, he is drawn to music and feels the need to express himself in many ways when he hears it.
Music Helps To Develop Many Life Skills
For example, he has learned different dance moves from the television characters on his favourite programs, as well as from good old mum and dad. He recreates those moves into his own little dance routine whenever he hears a song he likes, even in the car. He is using his creativity and memory to express himself, which I believe is helping build his character. It’s so cute when he tries to sing as well, more like hum. But this is another form of expression and he’s increasing his vocabulary by wanting to say the right words. He claps to the music and tries his best to keep a rhythm. These are all amazing skills that he is learning and using in his own individual way. I’ve found this is such a breakthrough age where children begin to graduate from simply imitating to combining what they know in ways to interact with the world around them.
These activities are encouraging many facets of development: physical (clapping, stomping, other dance motions) social (a way for him to interact with those around him) cognitive (he is bridging pathways from what he’s learned to how he wants to use the information to express his own personality); emotional (a definite sense of pride accompanies all forms of learning in children).
Look For Opportunities To Play Music
If your child enjoys music, you can encourage them by making music readily available for them without having to spend a fortune. I would guess they already have toys
that make music. A lot of books play music as well. Even just turning on the radio throughout the day and finding a station that is suitable for you both can be a very rewarding experience. Whether your child is hearing music on the television, radio, or directly from an instrument you are playing, he/she has so many opportunities for learning. Capture those moments and make the most of them, they all go towards creating wonderful memory vaults not only for your children but for yourself as well.
And of course, remember to include music in any kids parties you organise, you’ll be bound to add an extra dimension to the atmosphere (but that’s another article). Click here for kids party entertainment which includes music.