Spring Music and Movement

Music and movement are essential components of young children’s development, especially preschoolers. Research has shown that music and movement help young children improve their coordination, balance, rhythm, and language skills. Music and movement also provide a fun and engaging way for children to express themselves and learn about the world around them. You can download a FREE printable Spring music and movement for preschoolers action song to the tune of Row, Row, Your Boat.

WHY ARE MUSIC AND MOVEMENT IMPORTANT FOR PRESCHOOLERS?

Music and movement are fundamental parts of a child’s development. From birth, infants respond to music and movement by swaying, bouncing, and even clapping their hands. As children grow, music, movement, and rhythm continue to play an essential role in their development. Research has shown that music and movement help young children develop their fine and gross motor skills. Dancing, for example, helps preschoolers improve their balance, coordination, and spatial awareness. Playing musical instruments helps children develop their hand-eye coordination and dexterity.

Music and movement also help preschoolers develop their language skills. Listening to music and singing along to songs helps children develop their phonological awareness. Additionally, learning songs and rhymes can help children expand their vocabulary and improve their memory skills.

Music and movement also have social benefits for preschoolers. Participating in music and movement activities can help children develop their social skills, including cooperation, turn-taking, and sharing. Dancing and playing instruments with others can also help children learn to work together and build relationships with their peers.

Overall, music and movement are essential components of a preschooler’s development. They provide opportunities for children to learn and grow in a fun and engaging way, while also promoting physical, cognitive, and social development.

5 WAYS TO ADD MUSIC AND MOVEMENT INTO THE CLASSROOM

Dance party: One way to incorporate music and movement into the classroom is by having a dance party. This can be a fun and engaging way to get preschoolers up and moving. You can play a variety of music, from children’s songs to pop hits, and encourage children to dance and move their bodies. This activity can also help children develop their gross motor skills and coordination. Add in freeze dance to encourage the development of self regulation skills.

Musical instruments: Another way to incorporate music and movement into the classroom is by providing musical instruments for children to play. You can provide simple instruments such as shakers, tambourines, and drums, and encourage children to play along to songs or make up their own rhythms. This activity can help children develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Body Percussion: Body percussion is using different parts of the body to make music.  Have you ever stopped to think how may sounds you can make with your body?  You can clap, snap, tap, stomp, click and more.  

Musical chairs: Musical chairs is a classic game that can be adapted for preschoolers. Instead of using chairs, you can use large cushions or mats, and play children’s songs while children walk around them. When the music stops, children can try to sit on a cushion or mat. This activity can help children develop their listening skills, as well as their balance and coordination.

Movement songs: Another way to incorporate music and movement into the classroom is by using movement songs. These are songs that have actions or movements that children can do while singing. For example, the Spring-themed movement song to the tune of Row, Row, Your Boat that we’ll provide below. This activity can help children develop their coordination and gross motor skills while also promoting a love for music.