"If Music Be The Food Of Healthy Development, Play On!"

We've all heard that exposure to music is good for babies for any number of developmentally significant reasons, but did you know that it can encourage helping behavior? According to a study conducted by McMaster University researchers Laurel Trainor, Laura Cirelli, and Kathleen Einarson, being bounced to music leads babies to help an adult pick up dropped objects, and ultimately "cements social bonds." In order to encourage these, and they myriad other benefits of music, we dedicated this week's Storytime classes to exploring instruments and the sounds they make. Now it's your turn to make some music of your own. 1,2, a 1,2,3,4! 

Kitchen Orchestra  

Our story this week was "Zin, Zin, Zin a Violin!" by Lloyd Moss, which is all about playing music in an orchestra, but did you know that you have an orchestra living under your roof? And where do you store your instruments? In your Kitchen cabinets, of course! 

Materials:
pots
pans 
tupperware 
maison jars
wooden/ plastic serving spoons 
anything else in your kitchen that looks like a fun instrument 

Step 1: Present your child with serving spoon 
Step 2: Invite them to tap on various cookware with the spoon and/ or their hands, demonstrating different rhythms 
Step 3: Choose a favorite song (preferably one that your child is already familiar with) and demonstrate tapping the rhythm on the assembled cookware. See if they join in! 

Dance Party! 

Because who doesn't love a good dance party? And because it's a great way for your little one to feel music in their body. Moving rhythmically to music creates a tangible connection for children, providing a foundation for a life long association between music and fun! 

Materials:
music playing device 
dance floor 

Step 1: Find a recording of the song you and your child just played together in your Kitchen Orchestra (or another family favorite) 
Step 2: Hold your little one and sway/ bounce to the beat! (For slightly bigger little ones, stand facing them, holding their hands and encourage them to sway/ bounce with you) 
Step 3: Play other songs with different tempos and rhythms, and experience swaying/ bouncing to them
Challenge: Once you have mastered the sway and/ or bounce, make up your own dance moves... but don't loose the beat!

*Don't forget to post pictures of you and your little one doing these activities to our Facebook Page with the hashtag #spellboundsounds! 

Take it away, maestros!