Music Together by Center for Music and Young Children

Music Together

Music and Your Child: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers 

(www.musictogether.com)

Developed by the Center for Music and Young Children
Birth onward
Music program

The foundation of reading does not have to be a systematic battering of letters, grammar, rules, principles, and stacks of books. A solid foundation for reading and writing actually depends on a solid background in oral language skills. One of the best ways to gain knowledge and confidence in oral language is through music. Oral language is an interactive and social process, and music is a natural way for children to experience rich language in a pleasurable way. And besides providing enjoyment, music can play an important role in language and literacy development. Strong social bonds are encouraged through and songs beginning in preschool. Toddlers can begin to experiment with grammatical rules and various rhyming patterns in songs and other written text. So... music directly encourages early literacy and reading readiness.

Music Together is an internationally recognized early childhood music program for babies, toddlers, preschoolers (and also K-2) and the adults who love them. In 1987, it pioneered a research-based, developmentally appropriate early childhood curriculum that emphasizes and facilitates adult involvement. Today, it is committed to helping families, caregivers and early childhood professionals rediscover the pleasure and educational value of informal music experiences.(1) 

The songs used in this series are excellent for promoting language with rhymes and music that encourage any child to join in. There are nine song collections (based on instruments: bongos, bells, triangle, fiddle, drum, tambourine, flute, sticks, and maracas) with arrangements of traditional favorites and original compositions, with influences from the folk, jazz, and world-music traditions. The songs are not only diverse but offer cultural aural diversity which is important for children. It is not too mature nor is it dumbed down. It really is a pleasure to listen to and gives both children and adults a chance to sing, move, and have fun. Children learn and teach themselves through play.

An additional benefit to adding music into a child's reading readiness/early literacy preparation is that it has been proven to stimulate the brain. "Advanced brain-scan technology reveals that when children participate in music, the brain 'lights up like a Christmas tree' in many different areas."(Teaching Young Children, March 2006) When children have fun they are are more likely to learn. 

1 <http://musictogether.com/AboutUs> Accessed March 9, 2011.