Music, Movement, and Early Childhood Development
When people listen to music, it’s often hard for them to keep their bodies still. Whether it's a foot that starts tapping or the whole body getting into the beat, music can prompt seemingly automatic motion. The body’s synchronization with the rhythm of music is called entrainment. Music therapists regularly use entrainment to encourage extended range of motion, prolonged movement, or enhanced proprioceptive senses.
Movement and music is an integral part of working with children. One of my favorite parts of working with kiddos is their uninhibited love of dancing. I have worked with children as young as 6 months old and have watched their movements grow and change with them.
Babies increase their awareness of their bodies and their surroundings through reaching out and pulling in, stretching out and tensing up. Repetitive movement helps babies develop a sense of familiarity, reliability, and confidence in the world around them. As the little ones grow, they crave more control over their movements, exploring and experimenting regularly. Music can naturally enhance babies awareness and confidence through its structure. Rhythm often sets an expectation of how and when to move.
For babies 6-12 months old, we support them as they learn to roll, sit up, and eventually crawl. As they grow, we start to build strong standing foundations, preparing the babies for walking. When our little ones reach 1.5 years, they are usually walking around. Before you know it, you have a toddler running, jumping, and synchronizing movement with others. Through all of these milestones, music can act as a motivator and regulator. The tempo, melodies, and dynamics of songs encourage the little one’s motor development, helping them make deeper connections to the world around them.
Music is integral and supports us through our lifespan. It’s easy to observe. Just put on your favorite upbeat song, let your inner child out and dance uninhibited. Notice, perhaps, a change in your heart rate, mood, and body.
Schwartz, E. (2008). Music, Therapy, and Early Childhood: A Developmental Approach. Barcelona Publishers.
