Children in preschool learn through play and a quality child care program will use all forms of play, even singing songs, as a time to help children develop skills they will use later in life.
Childcareexchange.com published an article entitled, "Music and Math: How Do We Make the Connection for Preschoolers?" which noted that: "Music is organized in mathematical ways: its melodies, rhythms, and harmonies are built on recurring mathematical patterns and sequences."
If you were not aware of the connection between math and music, you should know that "research suggests a connection between children's early music experiences and their math abilities." This does not mean you need to panic and worry if your preschool-age child is not musical but it does mean that you can do a little more to foster an interest in music. You can play different types of music for your child and see which ones he or she likes best.
Music and Memory
Children and adults alike find it easier to remember things that are put to music. This is why children are taught to sing the alphabet instead of just being asked to recite the letter.
A song as basic as "Old MacDonald" lays the foundation for future math genius with counting and reasoning. Having to sing and remember the different animals in order develops skills that will be used later in math.
Music and Time
Children have a lot of fun when a song is sped up or slowed down and probably give little thought to just how much they are learning. "Experiences with changes in rate or speed are another way to expand children's understanding of time and promote music-math connections."
Photo Credit: Brandon Giesbrecht
