20+ Ways Music Aids Kids Learning

The power of music is indisputable. Our favorite song can fill us with joy. Music triggers memories long forgotten, attaches itself to our favorite moments, and stirs emotion like nothing else. Science has shown again and again how music affects the brain. It’s a universal language that brings us all together. Young and old from all around the world have a relationship with music. Children are no exception. They sing and dance their little hearts out. Not only is music fun to dance to, music but music can also help children learn.

Music is an excellent tool for learning. We all know the feeling of singing along to a song we didn’t even realize we knew. That in and of itself is a great example of music as a teaching tool- the song gets stuck in our head without us even trying. Children of all ages, learning styles, and abilities can benefit from the power of music. Research has shown the ability for music to physically change the brain and develop it in ways nothing else can.

20+ of Ways Music Aids Kids Learning

1. Helps to boost alertness
2. Stimulates different areas of the brain than anything else
3. Increases language skills
4. Decreases stress response
5. Increases attention
6. Grows vocabulary, grammar skills, and knowledge of the written word
7. Teaches poetry and prose
8. Helps build long-term memory
9. Decreases errors
10. Raises phonological awareness
11. Improves auditory discrimination
12. Helps develop right/left brain integration
13. Increased neural activity and responsiveness
14. Boosts memory ability overall and triggers the brain to remember
15. Evokes emotion, and allows for emotion to be more relatable
16. Stimulates imagination and leads to more creative thinking
17. Introduces new concepts, words, and ideas
18. Demonstrates a unique method of storytelling
19. Teaches the brain mathematical pattern and rhythm
20. Encourages movement and full-body learning
21. In learning disabled and special needs students music has been shown to boost social skills, fine motor and gross motor skills, auditory awareness, verbal skills, and more
22. Improves focus- even long term
23. Provides repetition which aids in memory

We’ve most likely all heard that classical music is excellent for the brain. This has been shown time and time again. Listening to classical music, especially specific composers, has proven dramatic effects. Retention rates increase, test scores go up, children’s stress levels go down, and satisfaction with lessons goes up.

Students don’t only have to focus on classical music for music to aid kids learning. All types of music have their place. A spunky song can help boost energy and provide a needed reset to a sluggish student. A fun dance tune is a great way to get the wiggles out. Time with a country song line dancing helps with coordination, right/left brain integration, teaching music tone and beat, and more. Try to rewrite a pop song when teaching a new concept or let your kids take the reign and write their own.

Including music from other cultures is an excellent way to travel the world without ever learning home. Listening to songs in another language has been shown to boost the ability to learn that new language. Exposing children to other cultures and experiences has never been easier. Children with a background of music have been shown to learn a foreign language even easier. In fact, children who learn to play an instrument have even been shown to hear sounds other children aren’t able to hear. Not only do we open our children up to other cultures with music, but we also open them up to other sounds.

Kids don’t have to play an instrument to get the benefits. All they need is to be exposed to plenty of music, a good variety (especially classical), and let the music do the rest. Make sure to keep the volume at a lower level and follow the lead of your child. As home educators and teachers, including music comes with huge benefits.

At ShillerLearning we use all learning modalities and teach to all five of children’s senses. Including music in our lessons is an important part of what we do. We have carefully developed songs designed to help kids learn math, language arts, geography, and more. It is our hope you’ll all be able to enjoy these songs together. Especially now that you have a greater understanding of how music aids learning. Check out our songs and make sure to order yours!

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