Sing and dance

Music has always been part of traditional nursery activities. Not only is it something that young children thoroughly enjoy, but several recent studies have shown just how important it is for their development. Researchers Rauscher, Shaw et al in Neurological Research found that certain music activities have a profoundly positive effect on learning and on the brain itself - especially with children at a young age. The BBC 1 programme 'Child of Our Time' (shown in July 2001) emphasised that music-making aids the development of a child's brain in its first year of life, increasing brain size and IQ.

Young children who participate in musical activities not only show a greater capacity for learning but also have higher self-esteem. In addition, music can be useful for helping to teach specific areas of the curriculum, such as maths, history, language and literacy, social skills and physical education - making it much more fun in the process. Singing and dancing, for example, use muscles from head to toe, helping children improve macro and fine motor skills, co-ordination, poise, balance and a sense of rhythm. Mathematical skills can be gained from counting beats and listening to the patterns in music.