MESHGuides

The information collated is intended to inform parents/carers, early years practitioners about the benefits of music for promoting early language development.

Information about the benefits of music in early development is globally relevant. Recommended songs are culturally specific to the UK.

The research in this field is extensive and conclusive. Looking at brain scans, to show the impact of listening to music, dates back to the 1980s. Research in this field is ongoing. Evidence for the information provided in this guide is collated in a full reference list.​

A Musical Journey Through the Rainforest is a fun interactive storybook, full of musical tracks and fun sounds.

Developed by Advanced Bionics, it contains a range of activities to use at home and in pre-school/nursery to encourage your child to listen and discriminate speech and music, develop new language, read key words, sing, and play instruments.

Music is motivating, is it engaging and fun. It is also soothing, reassuring, relaxing, bringing a sense of security and comfort. We know that music impacts early brain development and that it helps to develop a foundation for language. For these reasons, music can be used to help children with additional needs.

                                                                             Photo created by pch.vector - www.freepik.com

Altissia (2021) 'Music as an effective tool for learning languages'. [Online] Available at: https://altissia.org [Accessed: 17 April, 2021].     

Musical activities with young children, whether using instruments or singing songs, promote social interaction. The rhythmic forward and back movement between a parent and child singing, 'Row row row your boat', creates a physical experience of the back and forth exchange that is the basis of communication and language.