Play and Creativity Using Music: Explore New Music
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.
Explore New Music
Children love to dance and move to the beat. Create a child-appropriate playlist that displays a wide range of musical genres. Your playlist could include jazz, classical, pop, bluegrass, soul, country, or hip-hop.
Dance with your child. Ask them, “How does this music make you feel or want to move?”.
- Have a family dance party. You are building social interactions when you dance together. During the dance party, play a game to imitate a movement. Create an opportunity for your child to think about a new way to move their body and teach you how to do it.
- If your child is younger, you can hold them as you dance to music. They will feel the pulse in different ways based on the sounds of the music. You can add props such as a colorful scarf to engage them in visual stimulation.
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