Richard Torres Romero
Ashworth College
Assignment 04
EC360 Music and Movement
August 3rd, 2025
Part 1: The Positive Effects of Music and Movement on Early Childhood
Development
Music and movement are fundamental components of early childhood education,
offering a wealth of benefits that contribute to a child's holistic development. Engaging in
these activities helps children develop in three key areas: cognitive, physical, and
socioemotional.
Cognitive Development
Music and movement have a profound impact on cognitive development,
enhancing a child's ability to learn, problem-solve, and think creatively. Firstly, these
activities improve memory and recall. Children often learn and remember songs and
rhymes with ease, and this process strengthens the neural pathways responsible for
memory function (National Association for the Education of Young Children, n.d.). For
example, singing the alphabet song helps children memorize the order of the letters,
while fingerplays like "The Itsy-Bitsy Spider" require them to remember both the lyrics
and the accompanying actions. Secondly, music and movement promote language and
literacy skills. Through exposure to a wide variety of songs, children learn new
vocabulary, understand rhythm and rhyme, and develop phonological awareness, which
is a key predictor of reading success (Peres, 2021). Simple activities like chanting and
singing help them to distinguish between different sounds and syllables. Finally, these
activities enhance problem-solving skills and mathematical thinking. For instance,
children learn about patterns, sequences, and cause and effect when they follow a specific
dance routine or play a musical instrument. They may also learn basic math concepts,
such as counting beats in a song or recognizing different shapes and sizes of instruments
(Peres, 2021).
Physical Development
Music and movement are essential for the development of gross and fine motor
skills, coordination, and physical health. Firstly, these activities improve gross motor
skills. When children run, jump, skip, and twirl to music, they are developing large
muscle groups, balance, and coordination (Early Childhood Ireland, 2023). A simple
game of "Simon Says" with actions like "Simon Says hop on one foot" or "Simon Says
run in a circle" provides an enjoyable way for children to practice these skills. Secondly,
music and movement refine fine motor skills. Activities that involve using small muscles,
such as playing percussion instruments like maracas or tapping rhythm sticks, help to
strengthen the hands and fingers (Peres, 2021). Fingerplays and actions that accompany
songs are also excellent for developing dexterity and hand-eye coordination. Finally,
these activities contribute to overall physical health and well-being. By engaging in
active play, children are encouraged to be physically active, which helps to prevent
childhood obesity and promotes a lifelong love of exercise (Early Childhood Ireland,
2023).
Socioemotional Development
Music and movement play a crucial role in a child's socioemotional development,
fostering their social skills, emotional expression, and self-confidence. Firstly, these
activities promote social skills and cooperation. When children sing and dance in a group,
they learn to take turns, share instruments, and cooperate with their peers (National
Association for the Education of Young Children, n.d.). Circle time songs and group
dances teach them the importance of working together and following group rules.
Secondly, music and movement provide an outlet for emotional expression. Children may
use music and dance to express a wide range of emotions, from joy and excitement to
sadness or frustration (Peres, 2021). A child may stomp their feet to express anger or
gently sway to a calming melody when they are tired. Finally, these activities build self-
confidence and self-esteem. When a child successfully performs a dance move, plays an
instrument, or sings a song, they feel a sense of accomplishment and pride (Early
Childhood Ireland, 2023). This positive reinforcement encourages them to take on new
challenges and believe in their abilities.
Part 2: Strategies for Family and Community Involvement
To maximize the benefits of music and movement, it is essential to involve
families and the wider community. Here are four strategies to encourage their
participation:
1. Host Family-Focused Music and Movement Workshops: Educators can
organize workshops or "family fun nights" where parents and children can learn
songs, dances, and games together. These events can include making simple
instruments out of household items, learning new action songs, or creating a
group dance. By providing a fun and engaging environment, families can see
firsthand how to incorporate music and movement into their daily routines.
Providing handouts with lyrics, musical ideas, and links to online resources can
further support their learning at home.
2. Establish a Community Resource Hub: The classroom or a community center
can serve as a hub for sharing information about local music and movement
resources. This could include a bulletin board, a newsletter, or a dedicated section
on a class website that lists community events, libraries with music programs, and
local parks with kid-friendly activities. This strategy empowers families by
providing them with the information they need to get involved outside of the
classroom.
3. Create a "Music and Movement Lending Library": To make resources
accessible to all families, a "lending library" of musical instruments and resources
can be created. This could include a variety of simple instruments like shakers,
rhythm sticks, and small drums, as well as CDs or links to playlists of children's
music. By allowing families to borrow these items, they can experiment with
music at home without the financial burden of purchasing new instruments.
4. Collaborate with Local Organizations and Community Centers: Educators
can partner with local community organizations to create joint music and
movement programs. For instance, a partnership with a local library could lead to
a joint story time and music session, or a collaboration with a parks and recreation
department could result in a "music and movement in the park" series. This
strategy leverages existing community resources and makes music and movement
a visible and valued part of the community fabric.
Part 3: Local Community Resources
Here are five community resources in Bristol, CT, that families can use to
implement movement and music into their children's lives:
1. Youth and Community Services Division: Located within the Bristol Parks,
Recreation, Youth, and Community Services Department, this division offers a
variety of programs and activities for children and families. These programs often
include sports leagues, after-school activities, and seasonal events that incorporate
physical movement and social engagement. By participating, children can develop
gross motor skills and learn teamwork in a structured environment.
2. Bristol Adult Resource Center: While its primary focus is on adults with
disabilities, this center occasionally offers community events or programs that
may be open to the public and could include music or movement-based activities.
It is a good idea for families to inquire about any public-facing events that could
provide opportunities for their child to engage with others and participate in a
welcoming community setting.
3. Caring Closet: The Caring Closet provides clothing and resources for children in
need, but they also connect families with other community services and programs.
They can serve as a valuable referral source, directing families to local
organizations that offer music classes, dance lessons, or other movement-oriented
activities that may be low-cost or free.
4. The Agape House - Bristol: As a local faith-based organization, The Agape
House often hosts community gatherings, events, and programs. These events
may include music, singing, or group activities that provide children with a
positive social environment to express themselves through movement and song.
Families can contact them to learn about their current offerings.
5. Bristol Senior Community Center: The Senior Community Center is an
excellent intergenerational resource. They often host events, such as holiday
parties or special programs, where children and seniors can interact. These events
can provide opportunities for music and movement, such as singing songs
together or participating in a simple dance. This setting helps children learn
respect for elders while enjoying a fun, social activity.
References
Early Childhood Ireland. (2023). Music & movement: A guide for early years
practitioners. Retrieved from [insert URL if available]
National Association for the Education of Young Children. (n.d.). Music and movement.
Retrieved from [insert URL if available]
Peres, M. (2021). The power of music and movement in early childhood. [insert publisher
if available]
