Nursery rhymes, poems, and songs have always been an important part of early learning, with lyrics, motions, and repetition that engage children. Few people realize, however, just how important this type of learning is. Through music and rhymes, children develop an understanding of beat and rhythm that is essential for effective learning.

Musical elements such as a steady beat, rhythm, melody, and tempo are closely tied to math principles such as sequencing, counting and patterns. Beat and rhythm is also closely related to language and literacy development, and to children's ability to "decode" words into syllables and sounds. Research has actually linked a child's ability to keep a steady beat with later academic success.

At the Children's Art Centre, our Rhythm & Rhyme class for preschool-aged children is specifically designed to use rhythm, music, and movement activities to emphasize counting, patterning, spatial and body awareness, language skills, and more! Every week as we explore instruments, learn new songs, and move to the beat, we are learning with our whole bodies.

It's easy and fun to incorporate music and movement activities into play with your child at home! Follow these tips below to get started.

• Fill old plastic eggs with rice, sand or salt (and glue the egg shut) for an instant maraca.
• Make your own rhythm sticks by cutting a ½ inch dowel stick (available at hardware stores) into 8 inch pieces. Use these sticks to tap out the rhythm to familiar songs, or to just explore their different sounds.
• Sing simple songs with rhyming words. After your child is familiar with the song, let him or her "fill in the blanks" with the right rhyming word. Say, "Wow! Know, show! We made a rhyme!"
• Freeze dance is a fun way of teaching children self control. Turn up your favorite music and have a dance party, then freeze in different shapes or ways when the music pauses!
• Create an obstacle course in your home! Put down lines on the floor with masking tape and encourage your child to go through the whole course, following the tape. Use plenty of positional vocabulary like up, down, around, under, over, and through.