Music and Movement
Enjoying Music and Movement With Your Two-Year-Old
Enjoying Music and Movement With Your Two-Year-Old
Toddlers feel music in ways most adults have forgotten. They use their bodies to respond to changes in music tempo, loudness, and style; express emotion through movement; and continuously explore the ways their bodies can move. Two-year-olds enjoy singing and humming throughout the day. They often seek out their favorite songs, and, as with favorite books, ask to hear them over and over again. They are beginning to enjoy finger and body plays (they try to act out the hand motions to “Itsy Bitsy Spider”) and are natural dancers.
Play lots of different types of music throughout the day. Sing with your child, no matter how well you sing. Repetition helps young children learn basic rhythms, rhymes and song lyrics, so sing a small number of songs on a regular basis. Watch how your child moves to music and copy the movements. Young children find it fun and empowering when they see adults follow their lead.