Our project for the Spring term is ‘Music from around the World!’
So why do we teach young children about music at all?
Exposing children to music during early development helps them learn the sounds and meanings of words. Dancing to music helps children build motor skills while allowing them to practice self-expression. For children (and adults), music helps strengthen memory.
We encourage all of this with the introduction of songs and nursery rhymes from a very young age. We ask the children if they can recognise loudness and softness, changes in tempo and the sounds that different instruments make.
Introducing children to different musical styles from around the world and using these to learn about vibrant and fascinating cultures can also allow meaningful glimpses into other ways of life. Music tells the story of a society’s character and history.
If learning a language can lead us to communicate with other people, listening to local music can help us learn about their culture, traditions, history, and so much more. Exposing children to the world in such a positive way and celebrating the differences in all people can help them to develop a greater understanding of and respect for other cultures, as well as offering them new experiences.
Music can serve as an opening to a variety of instruments, languages, clothing, and celebrations from places across the world and is a powerful vehicle for storytelling and upholding traditions. Music can help teach a child about heritage, foster language development, and present new values.
When children make music together, they work towards a common goal which helps them realise that we’re all humans, despite differences in how we look or dress, how we speak or celebrate. These informal performances of culturally diverse music can help to build community by stimulating children’s interest in different cultures from an early age.
Teaching children about music from around the world in early years helps them develop a variety of skills, including:
- Cultural awareness
Children learn about different cultures and can discuss similarities and differences between musical styles.
- Social skills
Children can learn to be tolerant, open-minded, and respectful, and can form new friendships.
- Creativity
Children can compose and perform their own music to express their sense of place.
- Communication
Musical activities can help children learn language and communication skills.
- Well-being
Music can help children maintain focus and concentration, and can be soothing and distracting.
- Mental health
Studies have shown that learning music can have positive benefits for mental health.
Playing a diverse range of music in early years settings can help children develop a wide interest in music. It can also help to break down barriers, build relationships and support the making of new friends.
By learning dances from other cultures, children develop physical skills as well as become more socially and emotionally competent.
If any of our families have connections around the world, we would love for you to bring this project alive for the children by giving them a small talk about songs and music from another country, introduce them to instruments from the region, or teach them dances from the area. Children readily soak up new information and would love to hear about your family musical connections! Please speak to a teacher if this is something you can help us with.
With the right guidance, the experience of listening to world music can naturally lead children towards becoming more non-judgmental and open-minded individuals. We share few things around the world, across cultures and religions, but music is a beautiful commonality that we can all love, appreciate, and bond over. It promotes an awareness of self and others and fosters respect, tolerance, and understanding.
We are looking forward to sharing a world of music with the children over the term ahead!
