print view

Music can do wonders for almost everyone. Not only can it entertain but also soothe, relax and, believe it or not, teach. Young children often learn by repeating music they hear. Have you ever heard your child sing a jingle from a commercial they have seen? Teaching children with music is a fun way to help them learn tons of things - from their numbers, to letters and much more.

Start with very simple songs. “10 Little Indians” is a great song to help children learn their numbers. The ABC song will help them with the alphabet. These types of songs are easy for smaller children to follow and pick up on so sing them frequently. Before you know it they will be singing their way through the number 10 and the entire alphabet.

Helping children to learn parts of their body through a song can be a lot of fun. Remember the “Hokey Pokey”? Children cannot only learn their arm or leg but can also learn the difference between right and left. Balance is also a part of this learning process and this song is great for teaching children to balance.

Other songs that will help children learn rhythm, movement and balance are “Itsy Bitsy Spider” and “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.” With “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” kids can also learn patience and timing if sung in a rounds. They must wait their turn to start their part of the song.

Music has always been known to calm the savage beast, but why not use it as a way to teach your children some of the basics in life too. They will have fun singing the songs and will never know that in the end they have become aware of things that are important. Sing with your children as they learn and before too long, all of you will be having fun singing and dancing around.

Submitted by Nicole