The Impact of Music Education on Early Childhood Development
The benefits of music education in early childhood go far beyond fun - it plays a crucial role in memory, communication, and overall development.
At My Ohana, we believe in the power of a diverse learning environment, where children thrive through a mix of child-led and structured activities. One of our favourite ways to engage young minds is through music, movement, and rhythm - often with our nursery team joining in just as enthusiastically as the children!
But how exactly does music impact early childhood development? Is it simply a source of enjoyment, or does it actively contribute to learning, memory, and communication? Let’s take a closer look…
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The Role of Music and Child Development
Have you ever heard a song that instantly takes you back to a specific time or place? Music has a powerful link to memory, much like taste and smell, helping us recall past experiences with ease.
At My Ohana, we harness this natural connection to make learning more engaging for young children. Music is woven into our daily routine to support cognitive and physical development, while also fostering a lifelong love of rhythm and movement.
The benefits of early years music activities are endless.
Nursery rhymes, for example, help boost language skills, while action songs encourage movement and coordination. Many of us can still remember the songs we learned as children - proof of how effective music is in reinforcing learning.
Dancing is also a huge part of life at My Ohana. Through music and movement, we help children build motor skills, coordination, and self-expression in a fun and interactive way. Whether it’s clapping along to a beat, jumping in rhythm, or swaying to a gentle tune, music is an essential part of our nursery experience.
The Benefits of Music Education in a Nursery Setting
Music education is a valuable tool that enriches the nursery experience in many ways. At My Ohana, we see first-hand how music supports children’s development across multiple areas:
Self-expression and confidence – Children who engage in music and movement activities from an early age tend to be more confident in expressing themselves, both verbally and physically.
Cognitive development – Learning lyrics, keeping rhythm, and following melodies help develop literacy and numeracy skills.
Social and emotional growth – Music encourages teamwork, cooperation, and emotional expression, helping children build social connections.
Memory and learning associations – Songs and rhymes reinforce learning concepts, making it easier for children to retain information.
Physical coordination – Early years music activities, such as dancing and playing instruments, develop fine and gross motor skills.
Perhaps most importantly, music makes learning fun!
We want children to associate music with joy, curiosity, and creativity. The benefits of music in early childhood education extend far beyond calming lullabies at naptime or lively songs during play. It’s a powerful tool that shapes their learning journey in meaningful way.
How We Incorporate Music into the My Ohana Nursery Routine
At My Ohana, music is woven into everyday activities to create an enriching, engaging environment. Here are some of the ways we bring music into our nursery settings:
Singing nursery rhymes and well-known songs together – Helping to develop language skills and social bonds.
Creating a nursery band – Encouraging children to explore different instruments and discover their love for making music.
Using music to structure the day – Playing different styles of music for activities like naptime, lunchtime, and outdoor play.
Making up songs related to daily learning topics – Reinforcing new concepts through catchy melodies.
Exploring musical instruments and different genres – Helping children develop an appreciation for music from an early age.
Music Activities for Early Years
If you’re looking for ways to incorporate music into your child's daily routine, here are some simple and engaging early years music activities:
Sing-along sessions – Encourage children to sing their favourite songs to develop language and memory skills.
Musical storytelling – Use music to bring stories to life, adding sound effects and melodies.
Clap and stomp to the beat – A fun way to build rhythm recognition and coordination.
DIY musical instruments – Create simple shakers, drums, or string instruments using household items.
Freeze dance – Play music and have children dance, then pause the music so they have to freeze in place.
Call-and-response songs – Teach children simple back-and-forth singing to improve listening skills.
Mood music – Play different types of music and encourage children to express how it makes them feel through movement or drawings.
Music is an integral part of our nursery experience, supporting development while making learning enjoyable.
If you’d like to learn more about how My Ohana incorporates music into early years education - or if you’re interested in finding a nursery for your child - get in touch with our team today!
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