Preschool music and movement plays an important role in child development. Children who play or sing music regularly perform better in reading and math when they begin elementary school. Music along with movement increases both fine and gross motor skills and helps develop hand-eye coordination.
In addition, those actively involved in music also tend to have high self-esteem and are better at playing with others. Introduce music, movement and musical instruments as a part of Music in Our Schools Month, observed in the month of March.
Best Musical Instruments for Preschoolers
The best instruments in early childhood are easy to hold and grip. They promote hand eye coordination as well as both fine and gross motor skills. Suggestions for toddlers and preschoolers include:
- Drums
- Shakers
- Triangles
- Tone blocks
- Hand bells
- Tambourines
- Guitars
There is no need to go out and purchase expensive instruments. Using common household items, preschool teachers can, along with children, create inexpensive instruments. For example, fill containers with lids with rice, beans, or seeds to create shakers. Drums can be made from pails or old oatmeal containers. As children develop, drums can be played with drumsticks. Play a variety of music and encourage the children to keep the beat.
Preschool Music for Learning
The following albums are excellent for learning the alphabet, general skills, body parts, shapes and colors
- Alphabet : Sing the Alphabet by Sesame Street [Koch Records, 2008]; Here Come the ABCs by They Might be Giants [Walt Disney Records, 2005]
- Body parts: Smart Moves 1: Tots thru Pre-K by Abridge Club [Russ InVision, 2004]; Preschool Aerobic Fun [Kimbo Educational, 2000].
- Colors and shapes: Songs about Colors and Shapes by Kimbo [Kimbo, 2003]; Colors & Shapes by Kim Mitzo Thompson [Twin Sisters, 2007].
- General skills: Learning Basic Skills Through Music Vol. 1 by Hap Palmer [Educational Activities, 1969]; My Turn Your Turn: Songs for Building Social Skills by Cathy Bollinger [2005]/
Preschool Music for Relaxing
Calm soothing naptime music has been proven to help toddlers and preschoolers fall asleep faster. Try playing some of the following albums during nap hour:
- Late Night Guitar by Tom Salvatori [Salvatori Productions, 2002]
- My Precious Little One by Rick Springfield [Gomer Records, 2009]
- Mozart & Me (Lullabies & Other Dreams by Kevin Roth, Janet Ja, and Janet Jackson Biely [Star Gazer Prod, 2006].
- Precious Baby Vol. 3 by Twin Sisters [Twin Sisters, 2009]
- Dream Baby by Merry Miller [babymusictogo.com, 2007]
Casually introduce music to children by incorporating it into the regular routine. Start the morning off with a “hello” or “good morning” song and end the day with a “goodbye song” or “see you tomorrow” tune. Use quiet background music during naptime and during transitions from one activity to the next. For parents selecting a daycare center or preschool, be sure that the school offers children exposure to music as part of its curriculum, as music greatly benefits young children in a multitude of ways.
 |
 |
