Rhythmic Complexity: Week 12 FOL

A child’s first exposure to rhythm is in the womb as she feels and hears her mother’s heart beat. After birth she hears her own heart beat. African and Indian music traditions have brought syncopation and other rhythmic complexities to our ears, weaving these rhythms into current Western culture. As children are exposed to a variety of different rhythmic patterns they develop their abilities to listen and produce these rhythms more easily. This aids them in formal music study and in the development of their large and fine motor skills. Children with a good sense of beat and rhythm are more coordinated athletes and dancers.

Loud & Soft: Week 11 FOL

Self control is a learned behavior. Children need to practice making a conscious choice to be quiet. Musical play is a great way to practice self control through experiencing the concepts of loud soft sounds. These concepts are experienced through playing loudly then softly, singing loudly then softly, and then hearing the difference between the loud and soft. Children can also move in loud and quiet ways. Next time you need your child to be quiet instead of just shushing him, try giving him a tangible quiet sound to make like rubbing his hands together or walking very quietly.