Early Literacy #10: "Baby, it's the beat!"

Recognizing beat in music is associated with strong reading readiness in preschoolers.² Beat is what makes you want to sway, tap or clap along to the music.
 
An understanding of the concept of a steady beat helps a child speak and read with a smooth cadence, which in turn enhances communication skills and reading comprehension.¹
 
Musical beat can help young children develop phonological awareness, prediction and cognitive skills, such as, memory, attention and pattern recognition.
 
Things to try with your littles²:
• March, stomp or jump to the beat of the music. Have a fun Family Dance Party.
• Use instruments to keep the steady beat with the music. You can even make your own instruments. How about a Family Marching Band?
• Clap along as you recite your child’s/grandchild’s favourite rhymes.
• Have a steady beat Treasure Hunt. Search for things that make a steady beat. The clock? Dripping water? A timer?
 
Music is important to the development of young children on so many different levels. Recognizing and keep the beat is just one of the ways to help your young one experience the wonder of music. Major Lance had it right, “Baby, it’s the beat.”
 
See other Literacy Posts here: https://cupolacorner.blogspot.com/search/label/Early%20Literacy
 
The Cupola Corner Literacy Project purchases books for young children. When you buy a product that generates funds for The Cupola Corner Literacy Project you are helping to promote early literacy and helping young children learn to love reading. #readingisFUNdamental 
 
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References:
1. Kindermusik. (2024, April 4). 4 ways to test the positive effects of Steady Beat: Kindermusik. Minds On Music – The Kindermusik Blog. https://www.kindermusik.com/mindsonmusic/the-benefits-of-steady-beat/#:~:text=Cognitive%20Development:%20Engaging%20with%20steady,positive%20academic%20and%20general%20growth.
2. Music benefits early literacy archives. Minds On Music – The Kindermusik Blog. (n.d.). https://www.kindermusik.com/mindsonmusic/tag/music-benefits-early-literacy/#:~:text=For%20preschoolers%20and%20early%20school,and%20show%20stronger%20behavioral%20skills.
3. Steady Beat: Why it matters. Song of the Heart Studios. (2024, June 30). https://songheart.com/steady-beat-why-it-matters/