Music can be profoundly beneficial to the development of young children. Musical experiences in childhood have not only been linked to increased brain development in academic areas such as mathematics, language acquisition, and reading skills, but also to social-emotional development, the building of confidence, increased creativity, and improved memory functions.

In the Montessori studio we promote musical exposure and expression in a variety of ways. The guides and learners sing songs every day at group time. The learners benefit from the repetition of familiar lyrics and tunes and participate enthusiastically in these sing-alongs. They particularly enjoy songs that incorporate gestures and movements. Here are a few examples of some of our go-to songs at group time:

• Come and Make a Circle (a signal to the learners that it is time to come together for group time)
• Hello to All the Children of the World 
• Mr. Sun
• Skidamarink (the Montessori learners like to use sign language as they sing this song)
• My Roots Go Down
• Hands-a-Washing

The guides also play background music in the studio, generally slower-tempo instrumental music. We play background music daily during rest time, sometimes during lunch, and even occasionally during the work cycle. This music promotes a sense of calm and focus in the learners.

As you continue to develop your daily routine with your children at home, remember to include time for daily musical experiences. Like the Montessori guides, you may want to consider playing background music as your child works, plays, or rests. When selecting background music, consider your child’s current mood as well as the task that he or she will be doing while the music plays. If the goal is to promote focus and concentration or a sense of calm, a slow, soothing melody rich in piano and stringed instruments may be beneficial. However, if the aim is to motivate your child to be more active, an upbeat, faster selection rich in percussion may be a better option.

Children also benefit from opportunities to create their own music. This can be accomplished through singing as well as by creating a beat with their bodies (clapping, tapping their leg, stomping their feet, etc.). You can also invite your children to explore musical instruments. If you don’t have any at home, encourage children to build their own instruments. Here are some ideas for inspiration:

• Cardboard Guitar
• Homemade Kazoo
• Build Your Own Drum
• 6 DIY Instruments (featuring a harmonica made from straws, can drums, a paper plate tambourine, a water xylophone, a cardboard tube rainstick, and a paper plate banjo)