Songs and rhymes are a very important for the development of your child.  They not only help with using and understanding words but give you child and interest in these areas.

Children love songs and rhymes with actions.   This encourages them to be involved in group activities.  In participating we not only learn the song but the actions too.  Both of which need skill and lots of concentration to put the two together at the some time.

Here are some ideas to use music in the early childhood classroom:

1. Use a song to greet children during morning meeting as part of attendance.
2. Use a song or instrumental music during transition times such as clean-up time or snack preparation time.
3. Play background music during free play or centers time.
4. Play quiet lullabies or soft classical music during nap time or rest time.
5. Use music to teach letters, shapes, numbers or any other concepts in the curriculum.
6. Sing songs and play instruments as part of the daily routine.
7. Use music to enhance games and movement activities.
8. Add music to creative drama and art activities.
9. Use music to help children learn about other cultures and other lands.
10. Use music to celebrate special events and holidays.