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Toddler – 12 to 24 Months

 

Every child is born with an innate musical sense and when this sense is nurtured through active music making, it flourishes.

Scientific studies show that music is not only fun but beneficial for cognitive development. If you can visualize a thick forest with no clear pathways through it- that is the developing brain of a child. Now, visualize the pathway being forged, neurologically, every time you sing or musically interact with your child. The “music channel” is similar to the “language channel” in the sense that it needs to be stimulated and used, every day, in order for it to grow and be strong. As part of HOHNER, Inc., one of the oldest professional musical instrument companies, we believe every day is a good time for Music-Play.

 

You may be able to identify what learning style your child has: visual, aural, or physical.

Visual learners

love to watch and learn with their eyes, and are often very still as they take in information. It’s important for you to give them something to LOOK at as you interact with them musically. Make sure you are moving rhythmically or that the instrument is within their line of vision.

Aural learners

are also often very still and glaze over in their eyes as they take in information with their ears. It’s important for you to sing and show them all the wonderful sounds the instruments can make.

Physical learners

need movement — yours and their own — to process the feeling of music and sound. These children will delight in your running the rollers over their bodies — their hands — and their feet! Of course, as soon as they can stand, they will want to dance with the instruments and you!