Music and Movement
Enjoying Music and Movement With Your Three-Year-Old
Enjoying Music and Movement With Your Three-Year-Old
Three-year-olds love to sing, and they can memorize and repeat favorite songs and fingerplays of increasing complexity. They use music to express moods (they bang on drums when they’re excited), and they play a variety of musical instruments, often in their own unique way (shaking an instrument that is usually pounded). Three-year-olds begin to participate in group games and circle dances (like the “Hokey Pokey”), allowing them to enjoy the social experience of music and movement.
Your child will love for you to sing with them, no matter how well you sing. Repetition helps young children learn basic rhythms, rhymes and lyrics, so sing a small number of songs on a regular basis. Provide opportunities for your child to play with simple instruments like shakers or rhythm sticks (even homemade!). Listen to lots of different styles of music and see how your three-year-old responds. Dance with them and copy your preschooler’s movements. Young children find it fun and empowering when they see adults follow their lead.