Good morning,
We are halfway through the Winter II session and I am seeing so many wonderful connections being made through the music.
This week a caregiver asked me, "Is he getting anything out of this?" This is a great question. I love when I am asked this question because sometimes responses to music and involvement in music are not always obvious to any one observer. Depending on a child's age, development, and temperament, responses may be hard to see.
I have recently created a fact sheet to hand out this week to all families on the musical developmental levels that children of different ages go through as defined by Elizabeth Schwartz, co-founder of Sprouting Melodies. This fact sheet outlines each level of development, and some of the responses you can expect to observe in class. Sometimes these responses are as simple as your baby in Sprouting Melodies 1 demonstrating trust by choosing to explore an instrument with their mouth. Just that simple response of mouthing a maraca is something to celebrate because that is a developmentally appropriate musical response for children in Sprouting Melodies 1.
Children will develop a sense of comfort on their own. Typically with repetition and predictability you will see your child more independently and actively respond in the music. I have had parents tell me that their child sits in class and just watches, but at home they are singing the songs independently and responding more actively. Home is a safe space that has already been established for your child, so it is a great place to sing some of the songs from class to increase that level of trust in the music.
Recent brain research shows that very young infants can recognize a familiar melody, match pitches, and show pleasure when Mom or Dad sings to them. This may not be obvious to an observer, but what goes on in the brain is significant. Children often learn by observation first before they attempt to actively do something themselves. While they are observing, their brain is firing as if they are performing the actions that they are observing.
What makes class the most meaningful to you and to your child is the bonding time you have together. Your child's favorite songs are the ones they share with you! So what is the answer to the question? Is your child getting anything out of this class? The answer is Yes! This special time designated out of your day to engage in meaningful musical moments with your child are just that, meaningful.
I'll see you in class,
