Music and movement are powerful catalysts for your kids’ growth and development! When incorporated into learning, they foster personal expression, confidence, creativity, collaboration, memory building and so much more. They can also spark an appreciation for the arts that transcends childhood, leading to enhanced well-being in adulthood.
“There’s just so much beauty and joy that comes from being connected to music and movement, like dance,” says HomeLearners Network guide, April. “It helps kids feel empowered in their social and cognitive development.”
April joined HomeLearners Network in November 2023. She’s had a passion for music and dance since she could walk and talk, and knew she wanted to teach from the time she was 10. At age nine, April’s choir director recognized her talent and connected her with Bob Schneider, a musician famous for children’s music. From ages nine to 14, April was in a recording studio nearly every week listening to, singing and recording songs with Bob. She also spent ages nine through 15 attending a sleepover camp dedicated to dancing and singing in plays.
“It was a really formative time for me, and it shaped my passion for music and dancing,” says April. “It made me ask myself how I could bring that passion forward in a teachable way.”
April went on to teach ukulele and eventually opened her own music company, The Sound Sanctuary, in Nelson, B.C., where she teaches private and group lessons in ukulele, guitar, drums, vocals, dancing, and music production to students young and old! She also directed an incredible production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Nelson Waldorf School, where she taught for five years.
We sat down with April to discuss why music and movement are essential for kids.
#1. Empowers and builds confidence
Participating in music and dance helps kids realize what they’re capable of. Connecting to choreography and melodies and remembering lyrics helps them gain confidence in themselves and their abilities.
“When kids realize they’re getting the hang of new songs and skills, it leaves them feeling uplifted and assured,” says April. “Through learning to recognize patterns, rhythms and sequences, endorphins are released, and they get a feeling of, ‘I can do this!'”
#2. Promotes physical wellbeing
Dance is a wonderful way to incorporate physical activity into your kids’ lives. Through rhythmic movements and coordinated steps, kids enhance their cardiovascular and muscular health and improve flexibility, coordination and balance.
Clapping, tapping and playing instruments to music promote hand-eye coordination and muscle memory.
“Coordinating notes brings a sense of rhythm and bodily connection, and moving our bodies with dance helps us feel alive and healthy,” says April.
#3. Fosters social development and cooperation
By participating in group music and movement, kids interact with one another through creativity. It provides them with experiences to share and teach to others.
April loves encouraging kids to create songs that tell stories in group settings. “It allows them to build deeper connections with each other as they use their imaginations to collaborate.”
Another one of April’s favourite activities is encouraging kids to find unique ways to catch and throw a ball through the computer screen. “I love this activity because it shows we can connect without language or speaking. They learn ways to improvise, which can lend itself to real-life situations.”
#4. Acts as an emotional outlet
Emotional regulation and release can be accomplished through various activities, and music and dance are great examples.
“Kids get to express their feelings with music, and movement is an outlet for physical expression,” says April. “Kids can release big energy or even emotions like sadness and anger. They can learn to regulate their emotions and develop deeper self-awareness just by having a way to share.”
#5. Familiarizes kids with creativity and expression
Creative expression is an important way for kids to explore who they are as individuals.
“Being creative promotes a sense of fulfillment in life,” says April. “Participating in music and dance shows us what it means to express creatively, and encourages kids to apply a creative mindset in their daily lives. It shows them they can truly take their ideas and run with them.”
Your kids will love April’s music and movement activities
If you’re looking for a great way to incorporate music and dance into your kiddo’s home learning routine, check out upcoming activities with your music and dance guru, April!
🎵 In Music Marvels, kids ages 8 to 11 will learn essential components of music while playing awesome games and learning short songs.
They’ll hone in on rhythm, beat, scales and patterns!
✅ Sign up for May 21 or June 4!
📕 Unleash creativity and bring imaginative stories to life in Collaborative Storytelling!
Kids ages 8 to 11 will explore storytelling elements like exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution. Incorporating music, they’ll work together to create an epic tale!
✅ Sign up for May 28 or June 11!
👟 In Athletic Fusion, kids can boost their cardiovascular fitness while soaking in the joy of dance.
They’ll learn rhythmic coordination and energizing dance routines in this full-body workout for ages 11 to 14.
✅ Sign up for one or all of the Athletic Fusion sessions. They will be happening every Tuesday until April 23 to June 11!
🔎 Or check out all of April’s activities here!
