Parlakain and Lerner (2010) mentioned that by integrating musical activities at an early age promote the development of multiple domains. To demonstrate, singing a lullaby to babies while rocking them helps stimulate the early development of language. It not only promotes language but also builds a strong sense of attachment between the primary caregiver and the baby. Majority of researchers will mention that music greatly impacts a child’s language development. It has been discovered that music activates both literacy and language learning in various methods (Parlakain & Lerner, 2010). In terms of spoken language, music provides children an “easy-to-enter” window into practicing and learning language. Music also allows children to decipher the meaning of each word. One practice mentioned by Parlakain & Lerner (2010) is when words of popular songs are modified; children are being encouraged to practice and develop both their reasoning and logical thinking skills (Carlton, 2010).
Music also impacts in terms of dual language learning. It is mentioned that offering musical experiences in the child’s home language/s actually promotes the development of dual language in the first three years of their formative years. Music also encourages families to contribute in terms of exposing their children to their home language by sharing their culture’s songs and rhymes. In addition to this, music also promotes receptive language. By listening to music, children practice their receptive language skills.
These are words that children can understand but cannot yet pronounce. Music does not necessarily need to be in verbal words, but it can also help children understand emotions and allow them to develop empathy in order for them to effectively communicate their feelings to others. Music also makes children aware of phonemes (or various sounds). Phonemic Awareness is defined as the children’s mastery of the hearing process. How they can hear, recognize and use the various sounds (Parlakain & Lerner, 2010). The development of this critical skill is well-supported by music since music rely on sounds that rhyme.
In a similar study, Brandt et al (2012) shared that there exists a strong connection between music and language especially during the early stages of the human life. Newborns is said to have extensive abilities in various aspects of speech perception have often cited as evidence that language is an innate element. However, despite being innate, the more complex aspects of language are dependent on the ability to discriminate sounds of language (Brandt et al, 2012). In a statement, the research stressed the crucial role of music to speech development by mentioning that without the ability to hear musically, individuals will not be able to learn language.
In the future, once given the opportunity to work with children, materials grounded on music can be used. This is to further enrich their exposure and experience with music. In order to promote this method, increasing the awareness of other people by sharing readings and studies pertaining to the benefits of music is a must.
In conclusion, music plays a powerful role in child development. The impact of music is not only seen in their language development but also in many other aspects of life such as social, emotional and intrapersonal aspects. Music makes young children aware of their feelings and how to express them. Sounds are translated into maps of meanings and functions that make children more aware of the reality that they are living in. Without sounds and music it is impossible for children to learn language because like music, language is also dependent on sounds. With the help of music children can build association with things in their surrounding that aids their cognitive development.
References:
Brandt el at (2012). Music and Early Language Acquisition. Frontiers in Psychology
Carlton, E.B. 2010. Learning through music: The support of brain research. Child Care Exchange 133
Parklain R & Lerner C. (2010). Beyond Twinkle Twinkle, Using Music with Infants and Toddlers. Young Children.
