Play and Creativity Using Music: Sing
How can music activities at home encourage play and creativity in children?
Play is one of the most important parts of early childhood. When a child is engaging in play they are building their brains to develop skills in math, reading, and social skills. Trial and error discoveries in play are what lead to imagination and creativity. There are many ways that parents can promote play and creativity through music at home.
Sing
Children love to sing and they love to hear their parents sing. Sing while feeding, bathing, changing your child, or even running errands. While these moments can be stressful for adults and children alike, adding song to the experience creates a sense of ease and relaxation.
Repeat favorite songs and create new ways to sing them. Repetition in songs develops self-esteem, literacy, and recognition of patterns.
- Pick out a favorite baby doll or stuffed animal and sing soothing bedtime songs together. Pretend to put the baby doll down to sleep. You can rock together or touch the baby doll softly while singing. Ask your child, “why did they pick that doll or animal? How can we soothe them?” Try this same routine when you put your child to sleep.
- Find a familiar song that can become a utility song. A utility song is a song where the words can be changed to fit your need. For example, “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush” can become “This is the Way We… wash our hands or eat our carrots”. Adding a song to these tasks make them fun.
Play and Creativity Using Music Series
Additional Resource for how MacPhail Center for Music promotes creativity in their classrooms
Resources for Information on Play
Playing with Music at Home
Play in Early Childhood: The Role of Play in Any Setting
Center for Inclusive Child Care