Using Music to Soothe Young Children- Part II

Hi there- and happy father's day (video of a father soothing a baby with music)! Today I'm going to conclude my talk about using music to soothe young children. Most of what I will share today is the result of asking preschool teachers (through Facebook teacher's groups) what music they use during nap time. Their answers were interesting to me because most of the studies that I've seen on the effects of music on young children are done on babies in controlled hospital environments. Many also focus on the beneficial effects of the mother's voice. Preschoolers are older, may not nap anymore at home, and are away from their home environment and access to familiar voices- they are arguably more difficult to settle than babies at times. However, any preschool teacher will tell you that a quiet rest time is necessary- usually from around 1-3pm each day. It speaks to the genuine power of music to soothe- even if it's recorded, not sung live or by the parents- that it is universally used for nap time by preschool teachers.

Soothing music creates the quiet rest environment so necessary for these youngsters, and many of the preschool teachers that responded to my query swear by certain recordings. They use the same ones year after year because they observe the beneficial effect the music has on helping their students nap. They wear out CDs- purchase new ones- or search for it online- because it's so essential to their nap time. After having having been present at many a nap time over the years, I can understand why a teacher would appreciate such a useful tool, and want to use it time and again. Remember preschoolers are experiencing so much by way of cognitive and social development- having some time to rest and recharge during the day can help those young minds cope and make it to the end of the day as happy campers. 

When sharing their nap time music, most teachers also commented on their own experience with the music as well. Was it something they could tolerate listening to over and over again? Some teachers shared that they had a few different types of music they played for variety- but that they all had a similar effect. A teacher with many, many years of experience shared that in lieu of her usual lullaby recordings, she was playing the relaxing instrumental music she had found that was on her favorite TV show instead (When Calls the Heart- the instrumental version of Christina Perri's A Thousand Years), and was happy with the results. With so many options, albums and ways to listen online, as you'll see below, whatever your musical tastes, finding something that will work for both you and child or children is easier than ever. 

Teacher Recommended Albums-

Rockabye- Lullaby Renditions of your Favorite Band

Jewel Lullabies

Return to Pooh Corner- Kenny Loggins

Putamayo World Lullabies

Fisher Price Lullaby Playlist- Dreamy Renditions of Today's Hits

Fisher Price Christmas Lullabies

Classical Piano Music with Ocean Sounds

Laurie Berkner Lullabies

Sleepy in Seattle

Baby Lullaby- Relaxing Piano Lullabies- Einstein Baby Lullaby Academy

Lullaby River

Teacher Recommended Online Streaming (YouTube, Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, IHeart Radio, Online Radio)*- 

Search for these artists or types of music- Preschool Nap Time, Lullaby, Delta Wave, Meditation or Spa, Disney Lullaby, Disney Instrumental, Native American Flute, Enya, Piano Guys, Gregorian Chant, Relaxing Music for Deep Sleep, Coral Reef Aquarium Collection, Mindful Kids, Quiet Guitar, Violin or Harp, Brahms's Lullaby for Babies, Caribbean Steel Drums, Jack Johnson (lullabies), George Winston (piano), John Tesh (piano), Marconi Union, Ludovico Einaudi

Classic Radio (online streaming)

Star Wars Piano

Before I go, I wanted to give you a list of some other links to check out. These are artists and projects I recommend learning more about if you are interested in soothing music for children and families, including music in Spanish! Tune in next week for my article on early learning adventures to do during the summer!

Vered 

Sing to your Baby or Cantale a tu bebe 

La Luna- 123 Andres

The Lullaby Project

*I recommend finding something that doesn't have ads (they can startle).

Play and Early Learning- Part II

As promised, today I recommend some ways to provide rich and varied play experiences for your child. And just to be super clear- this early learning blog is meant for those kiddos under six. And today's article is about play experiences outside of a daycare facility or school. We're talking sandboxes, tot lots, the library children's section- and even some classes. Of course there are classes for you and your young one! For instance, I often see parents in my drop in music classes with their babies. I remember myself as a first time parent with a child their age, and I'm so happy I could offer an destination for play accessible for these parents.

To be sure, having a plan for how your day will go when you are a first time parent is helpful, but not always easily attained. I found myself wanting to connect with other parents, but I wasn't always sure how. I felt like I needed to prioritize nap times, access to sustenance, and travel methods (stroller, wrap, etc.), often over coordinating with a class time or meeting with another parent. However, I found that when I was successful in scheduling in some time to socialize for both myself and my son, our day was much happier and better overall- even if it meant not totally sticking with our usual schedule.

Here's how to get started scheduling some beneficial play experiences for your little one!

1. Get connected online- Join your local parent's Facebook or Meetup group. Look for websites that list or recommend classes in your area. If there isn't one available, consider starting one! My son and I had access to the BerkeleyParentsNetwork.org (BPN), which is an invaluable resource for parents to communicate and share information. I started my own playgroup through an announcement on BPN, and the people I met that way are some of the best friends I've ever made. Other online resources I have seen that seem particularly helpful are HilltownFamilies.org and MacaroniKid.com. Both list opportunities for parents to take their kids out and about.

2. Join a playgroup- The playgroup I started on BPN was so beneficial to both the parents and the kids! We set up times to meet at playgrounds, library storytimes, indoor play areas, and at each other's homes. The children learned so much from each other, and it was an opportunity to talk with other adults. This was by far the best thing I did for me and my young son!

3. The playground is your friend- Opportunities to gain gross motor skills and socialize abound on the playground. Get to know your local playgrounds, and consider them your second home in nice weather!


4. Learn what your local library has to offer- Ask at the check out counter if you can have a schedule of the children's librarian's offerings. You may be surprised how much your local library has to offer- not only as a place for your child to listen to, look at, and acquire language, but as a destination to socialize. There are also often toys, puzzles, and opportunities to color in the children's section.

5. Learn about your local children's museums- These are elaborate play spaces created just for young children. In Berkeley there was Habitot, and that is the museum I took my son most often. There are themed exhibits, and hands on and kid-sized everything. Your little ones will LOVE these places.

6. Get out into nature- Find out about nature centers in your area. Not only can you go for a peaceful walk in the woods and enjoy a playground away from the city, there are often indoor centers with areas designed for young children to play. Often these centers offer classes for preschool age children, so be sure to check that out as well.

7. Include the arts in your child's play- Even if it's as simple as turning on some music at home and listening during play, including music in your day is a great way to help you and your child get energized, play, or relax. Music is an excellent way to help even adults regulate mood, and as a music teacher/performer, I of course recommend finding a class to attend or an event with live music for you and your young child. You can find dance and visual art opportunities for your young child as well.

8. Play can be incorporated anywhere, anytime- Stuck in the car? Put on some music, break out the toys- your child now has a play experience. Bringing your child to yet another trip to the grocery store? When they are small enough to sit in the front part of the cart, you and your child surely have some time to chat, play peek-a-boo, etc. Grocers also LOVE to play with and talk to kids.

Wherever you are, there are many opportunities for your child to play. We know play is a valuable opportunity for your child to develop, and we know how to get started incorporating play in our busy schedules- now what to do when your child doesn't want to cooperate? Yes- no matter what we may wish for our children, they may get fussy and have different plans for us! That will be the subject of my next article. Stay tuned!

Play and Early Learning- Part I

Today we talk about the importance of play based discovery in early learning! Observe a young child at play, and it is almost palpable the amount of energy and inner workings behind it. A young child's brain is busy developing and myelinating- this is the process where neural pathways are strengthened with a myelin sheath to promote faster travel of neural impulses. When children play, they are learning from their environment in a way that promotes myelination. So, whatever children are exposed to repeatedly, through play or otherwise, the brain responds by building a neural pathway for quick response to that stimulus.

So- why is that important- and how can play help with this brain development? Play can especially help with the development of the cortex- that's the part of the brain that is the least developed at birth. That's also the part of the brain that helps us do things like process sensory information and language, and decide things. It's the part of the brain that helps us control our impulses. When children are at play, the cortex has a chance to myelinate- or "wire up"- pathways, within the cortex and to other important parts of the brain, that will enable them first to perform these important functions- then be able to do them more quickly and easily.

Here's how- give children the chance to play on a playground, for example, and they have many choices to make. Will they swing, climb, slide? How high will they climb, and how do they need to balance to do that safely? Will they do these things with other children at the playground? Will they share the equipment? Will they be sensitive to the other children's space and desire to use the equipment as well? Will they play pretend- pretend the play equipment is a ship for example- and ponder any problems that may occur- pirates, sharks, or crocodiles, for instance?

As a parent who was a teacher first and observed many children at play- I have to admit, sometimes when I observed children struggling to make good decisions to keep themselves or others safe on the playground, to "use their words" instead of violence to express themselves, to control the impulse to keep something to themselves rather than share it, I thought to myself, "When I have my own child, they won't be this difficult." The truth is- ALL children go through this important brain development. And yes they will make what we perceive as mistakes along the way. That's how they learn!

Here's how you can help with your child's brain development through play:
1) Provide play experiences with other children- the more chances they have to play the better!
2) Provide feedback for your child to help promote good decision making- When your child is in need of assistance- with making a safe choice, using their words, sharing- help them out. Just remember, patience and practice. That's what your child needs to develop- however frustrating their behavior can sometimes seem as a young child. Also, be mindful of what your child is capable of figuring out without assistance. Sometimes doing something "all by themselves" is what a child needs to take ownership of their new skill.
3) Play with your child- channel your inner child and rediscover the world with them anew! Have fun!

Here's some other articles you can read about play and brain development:
Scientists Say Child's Play Helps Build A Better Brain
Childhood Stimulation Key to Brain Development, Study Finds
The Cognitive Benefits of Play: Effects on the Learning Brain

Since we focused on mostly the science behind the the importance of play in early learning this time, next time I'll make some recommendations for providing varied and rich opportunities for your child to play- stay tuned!