The Power of Music

Have you ever wondered why kids often learn their alphabet by singing the ABC’s?  Music is a very powerful teaching tool.  Neurobiologists have found that music exists in every culture.  Parents in every country sing to their children and teach them through music.  This is because of many reasons.  Most children’s songs are filled with alliteration and rhymes.  This helps children to recognize sounds of different words and to increase their vocabulary.  Often, teachers find it beneficial to use music to teach phonics because of this reason.  The repetition in music is also helpful because it implants facts and phrases firmly into a child’s memory.  Most of us can still recite catchy songs about state capitols or the names of the presidents that helped us to remember important factoids.  This is because music drives deep into the brain and is easily stored and recalled.  Because of this, large amounts of information can be processed, stored, and recalled by the brain when memorized through the use of music.

Wood Designs WD12990 Bookshelves are perfect
for storing music instruments and music books.

Research has shown that music stimulates brain function.  It readies the brain to absorb knowledge.  This may be a key reason why music is so helpful in teaching children with disabilities.  Children with language and learning difficulties benefit from phonetic songs teaching spelling.  The music and melody holds their attention while imprinting linguistics.  Teaching your child to “self-talk” through a difficult word by singing a song can greatly help with their reading lessons.

Music is also a great way to control behavior in children.  Classical music or jazz can help to calm a hyper or upset child and may assist with nap time as well.  Energetic music is an excellent way to get a child’s attention and get them to engage more.  Incorporating the use of musical instruments, clapping, and dancing can keep the attention of younger students and be more effective than a typical lesson.  With older students, including a song with a history lesson makes a bigger impact for the students.  With music, children are learning without knowing they are learning!  This is effective for both the teacher and the student.