Music is a good way for children to learn about the world in general, but it’s particularly a good way for children to experiment with the sounds of other languages.
– Ella Jenkins, “The First Lady of Children’s Folk Song”

At Exchange, we’re celebrating NAEYC’s Week of the Young Child, and today is Music Monday.

“During the first year of life, some 700 synapses can be formed per second in a baby’s brain. Pardon the pun, but is that not mind blowing?” writes Deanne Kells, who advocates for serve-and-return interactions with infants and toddlers:

“Because serve-and-return interactions are based on communication, these interactions create neural connections that lead to the healthy development of language and social skills that allow children to regulate their emotions, focus and respond appropriately to what is happening around them.”

Kells sees music as a perfect platform for serve-and-return:

“Science supports what parents have instinctively known for centuries: music can calm, express love and foster closeness. It follows that including music as part of serve-and-return further enriches those interactions, making them even more valuable and rewarding.”

She offers ideas for incorporating music into daily routines, such as waking, meals, bath time, tummy time and even ‘chilling out’ or when out and about with babies. Ready to chill out with a tiny one? Kells suggests:

“Whenever you want to snuggle and relax with baby, put him on your lap in a rocking chair. Sing something soothing like ‘Hush, Little Baby.’ The song will quickly become associated in his mind with calmness and safety. (If you do not have a rocking chair, just rock from side to side in any seat. Put baby’s head against your chest, and your steady heartbeat will reinforce the feeling that all is well.)”

Kell’s article is available in our Exchange Reflections format. Amplify your discussion further with resources on serve-and-return from The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard.

#woyc24 #musicmonday