With school budgets being slashed across the country, don't be surprised if music and other arts programs are playing a smaller role at your child's Leon County school. But cash-strapped arts program doesn't mean that your kiddos have to miss out on music. Music is as important to children as multi-vitamins and regular exercise.
MUSIC AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
Music instruction does more than simply provide a child with a good sense of rhythm. According to the American Music Conference, "Young children with developed rhythm skills perform better academically in early school years (Source: study from the University of Central Florida)."
Middle school and high school students who played musical instruments scored significantly higher on standardized tests (Source: University of Sarasota Study, Jeffrey Lynn Kluball). And Students who were exposed to the music-based lessons scored a full 100 percent higher on fractions tests than those who learned in the conventional manner (Source: Neurological Research, March 15, 1999).
MUSIC AS A TRANSITION TOOL
At home, music can provide an excellent transition tool for younger children. Every parent with a child in preschool or school is familiar with the "Clean-up Song." Not exactly a musical masterpiece, this little ditty gives kids just what they're looking need: it's simple, it includes movement (the cleaning up), and it cues the child about the change in activities.
Kids are amazingly non-judgmental about the quality of your song-writing or your singing voice. Try making up your own transition songs: "Let's put on our clothes right now" to the tune of "Old MacDonald," for example.
Of course, you can always rely on professionally written songs to provide your transitions. There are plenty of kids songs collections about starting your day, eating, dressing, bathing, etc. Check out Songs for Teaching for some ideas.
One of the most effective times to use music as a transition is at bedtime. Music can set a restful mood and become a recognizable part of your child's going to bed routine. Research has proven that the sound of calming music (preferably slower and without words) has a physiological effect on the body.
Next: Part 2 - Music classes for every age
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