A father and his toddler daughter dance together in the living room as part of a music and movement activity.

What is music and movement? 15+ activities to benefit child development

Music and movement combine rhythmic sounds, songs, and physical activities to engage young children in learning through motion. These activities are essential in fostering early childhood development in a fun and engaging way, helping children develop key aspects of physical literacy along with creative concepts, from birth. Plus, it’s fun for parents too!

Music and movement encompass several different components and they may look different from one household or school to the next. But, essentially, the idea is that by combining rhythm, sound, and movement, kids can explore their bodies while building cognitive, emotional, and social abilities. For parents, educators, and caregivers, music and movement provide an ideal way to engage young children in meaningful and healthy play.

Whether you’ve heard of music and movement or you’re learning about them for the first time, we’ll cover what they are, the benefits, and a multitude of creative music and movement activities for your infant, toddler, or preschooler. 

Let’s get moving!

A mother sits on the floor with her toddler son. She claps her hands as her son mimics her.

What is music and movement?

Music and movement can include activities like dancing, clapping, jumping, and playing simple instruments to music. These activities help develop coordination, balance, motor skills, and creativity while fostering social and emotional growth. Through action songs or free-form dancing, children learn how their bodies move to rhythm, enhancing both physical and cognitive development in a fun, engaging way.

Though many communities offer music and movement classes, the benefits of these activities have been known for generations, supporting children’s growth in numerous ways.

When should you introduce music and movement activities?

It may be hard to think about introducing music and movement activities to your baby when they’ve only just learned to hold their head up! But it’s never too early to get started. From the first few months, babies are responsive to sounds, rhythms, and gentle movements, and these things are very beneficial to babies even if they aren’t able to give you feedback right now. 

And if you’re just learning about music and movement now, it’s not too late to get started. Toddlers and preschoolers are at a great age to start experiencing the joys of music and movement, and many preschools and daycares incorporate these programs into their curriculum. 

Here’s a general timeline of what to expect at different ages:

What to expect: music and movement for infants

You may have heard other parents telling you to put headphones on your pregnant tummy and play music for your baby. Turns out babies are naturally attuned to sound even from the womb (though Mom’s voice is usually all they need to hear to be soothed). 

By the time they enter the world, simple rhythmic motions like rocking, bouncing, or swaying to a song can stimulate your infant’s development. Though they won’t actively move to music the same way that even one-year-old babies will, infants love to be held and rocked to a beat. (And, best of all, for tired parents, this can also help your baby fall into a slumber!)

Once they’re ready for it, here are 17 song and game ideas to keep your baby clapping and moving.

A happy toddler dances as she takes part in a music and movement activity.

What to expect: music and movement for toddlers (1-3 years)

Music and movement work for any age as long as the activities are age-appropriate. But if music and movement had a poster child, it would be toddlers. Just think of the first time you saw a baby dance or clap their hands to a beat! It usually happens very early on. And, by one to three years old, children are ready to jump, shake, and move to the music. 

At this stage, they’re starting to walk, jump, run, climb, and balance (though, these physical development milestones happen at different times for every child), making them ready for more structured (or loose!) movement activities. Toddlers love imitating movements and sounds, and they also love repetition. At some point in their toddler years, they’ll start doing repeated motions to a song they love, dancing in circles, and even asking to play or sing their favourite song!

What to expect: music and movement preschoolers (3-5 years)

When your toddler becomes a preschooler, they’ll be able to embrace music and movement activities with much more intention. (Of course, this may mean they opt to sit out sometimes, which means you’ll have to get creative with your music and movement activity ideas!)

Preschoolers have developed better coordination and can handle more complex music and movement activities. At this age, they can follow multi-step instructions, dance in sync with others, and explore their creative expression through music. Time to sign up your not-so-little-baby for dance class!

A mother holds her toddler son on her lap as he laughs and claps his hands.

The benefits of music and movement: enhancing physical literacy in the early years

We know that most kids love some sort of music and movement class. But music and movement activities also provide many benefits for physical development, especially in the early years of life. These activities help children in nearly all aspects of physical literacy, from building motor skills to improving their coordination and supporting their overall wellbeing. Here are some other benefits:

Sensory stimulation

Sensory stimulation through music benefits infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in different ways. Infants respond to rhythmic swaying and gentle bouncing, while toddlers start actively participating by clapping, tapping, and moving to the beat. Preschoolers engage more deeply, exploring rhythm and movement through dancing and more complex coordination.

Tactile and vestibular development

Moving rhythmically with an infant stimulates their vestibular system, enhancing their balance and sense of movement in space, even before they begin crawling or walking.

Body awareness

Passive activities, like being rocked to a lullaby, help infants understand their body’s movements and responses, laying the groundwork for future motor skills, while preschoolers gain improved spatial awareness and control through music and movement, enabling them to navigate their surroundings effectively.

Balance and coordination 

Toddlers refine their balance and coordination through activities like dancing, swaying, and jumping to music, which support their developing movement abilities as they learn to walk, run, and climb.

Gross and fine motor skills

Energetic activities such as jumping and stomping to music engage toddlers’ large muscle groups, enhancing their strength, agility, and coordination. Preschoolers develop fine motor control through rhythm-based activities like clapping games and playing percussion instruments, which are essential for skills such as writing and using tools in everyday tasks.

Exercise

Incorporating music and movement provides children with a fun way to stay active and get the exercise they need, even on rainy days!

Incorporating some level of music and movement into your child’s daily routine can also help you recognize if they’re having any sensory issues or movement issues, which is important for parents and caregivers to pay attention to. 

A group of toddlers stands in a circle, holding hands with their parents, as they participate in a music and movement activity.

18 creative music and movement activity ideas for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers

Music and movement can be as simple as turning a song on for your toddler and dancing with them. But if you’re looking for more creative music and movement activities for your preschooler, toddler, or infant, try these:

  1. Gentle bouncing to a rhythm:  Hold your infant and gently bounce them to the beat of a song.
  2. Clapping and tapping: Help your baby clap or tap along to simple tunes.
  3. Singing nursery rhymes: Sing familiar nursery rhymes while moving your baby’s arms or legs to the rhythm.
  4. Freeze dance: Play upbeat music and have toddlers dance, but they must freeze when the music stops.
  5. Action songs: Use songs like “Wheels on the Bus” or “If You’re Happy and You Know It” that involve simple motions.
  6. Parade with instruments: Give toddlers shakers or tambourines and lead a mini-parade while marching to a beat.
  7. Animal dances: Play music and have toddlers imitate animals, such as hopping like a bunny, crawling like a bear, or flapping like a bird.
  8. Rhythm instruments: Let preschoolers use drums, maracas, or xylophones to keep a beat while listening to music.
  9. Circle time songs: Engage in group songs like “Ring Around the Rosie” or “The Hokey Pokey.”
  10. Musical chairs: A fun, classic game that helps children work on their coordination and listening skills.
  11. Dance party: Play a variety of songs and let preschoolers dance freely and express themselves.
  12. Follow the Leader: Take turns leading a group in a movement pattern while others follow along.
  13. Bean bag toss with music: Combine music with a bean bag toss, encouraging children to toss in time with the beat. Here are 12 bean bag game ideas to get you started.
  14. Scarf dancing: Use scarves to wave and dance along to soft music, encouraging freeform movement.
  15. Ball rolling to music: Sit in a circle and roll a ball back and forth to the beat of a song.
  16. Improv dance: Let older children create their own dance moves while improvising to music.
  17. Musical statues:  Similar to freeze dance but with an emphasis on holding poses like statues when the music stops.
  18. Dance in the mirror: As children develop self-awareness, typically around 18-24 months, they become fascinated with their reflection. Dancing or moving in front of a mirror allows them to observe how their body moves, helping to build that awareness and confidence in who they are. 

Got any more music and movement activities? Let us know in the comments below!

How can I differentiate music and movement activities?

Not all children develop at the same rate, and some may have different physical or learning abilities that influence how they engage with music and movement activities. That being said, all children can still experience the benefits as long as parents and caregivers adjust to the child’s abilities:

  • Seated or stationary activities: For children who are unable to move freely, focus on hand motions, clapping, or even tapping feet in rhythm while seated.
  • Sensory adaptations: Some children with sensory sensitivities may prefer quieter music or smoother, repetitive movements rather than high-energy activities.
  • Inclusive group games: Modify activities like “musical chairs” by ensuring that all children can participate, regardless of mobility, perhaps by using “musical cushions” on the floor instead of chairs.
  • Visual cues: Use hand signs, coloured cards, or visual props to help children who struggle with auditory processing understand rhythm and movement.
  • Breaking down steps: Provide step-by-step instructions and use repetition to help children with cognitive challenges feel comfortable.
A group of toddlers at an early-years program play instruments with their parents.

Where to find music and movement classes

Parents looking to enroll their children in music and movement classes can find options in various community settings, such as:

  • Local community centres: Many community centres offer toddler and preschooler music and movement classes.
  • Early childhood programs: Daycares and preschools often incorporate music and movement into their daily routines.
  • Music studios: Some music studios offer group classes specifically for toddlers and preschoolers, focusing on rhythm, coordination, and musical exploration.
  • Parent-and-me classes: These are great for young children and parents to participate in together, allowing parents to guide and support their child’s learning.
  • Baby disco: Baby discos are becoming popular in some parts of the world. They’re essentially meet-ups with other parents and babies to dance and listen to music. You can add lights or other stimuli and adjust the volume of the music depending on the babies’ (and parents’!) comfort level.
  • Start one!: Can’t find a music and movement class in your town? Consider starting one on your own!

Music and music song and video ideas at home

Incorporating familiar songs and YouTube videos can make music and movement activities more engaging and enjoyable for young children. Here are some popular songs and video suggestions that are perfect for different age groups:

  1. “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”
  2. “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”
  3. “Itsy Bitsy Spider”
  4. “The Wheels on the Bus” 
  5. “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes”
  6. “If You’re Happy and You Know It”
  7. “Hokey Pokey”
  8. Shake Your Sillies Out” by The Learning Station 
  9. Ms. Rachel
  1. Baby Shark” by Pinkfong 
  2. “The Hokey Pokey”
  3. Super Simple Songs
  4. Gracie’s Corner
  5. The Kiboomers
  6. The Learning Station Channel
  7. GoNoodle
  8. The Wiggles

6 music and movement tips for parents and caregivers

Introducing music and movement to children doesn’t have to be complicated. Consider making music and movement a part of your daily routine, so your child expects it. 

  1. Make it a daily routine: Incorporate music and movement into your daily schedule. Sing songs during bath time or do a short dance before bedtime.
  2. Use props: Scarves, ribbons, or hula hoops can add a fun, tactile element to movement activities.
  3. Follow the child’s lead: Let your child explore music and movement at their own pace. Whether they want to dance or play an instrument, follow their direction to keep the experience fun.
  4. Mix it up: Introduce different genres of music, from classical to jazz to pop, and watch how your child’s movements change. Hey, why not even put songs in another language or from other children’s culture?
  5. Listen to your child’s cues: Even for children that don’t have sensory issues, we all get to a point where we want peace and quiet or want to move onto a different activity. Don’t force it and be willing to revisit the activity if your child isn’t in the mood. 
  6. Keep it simple: Don’t worry about perfection. Music and movement activities are about having fun, learning, and expressing creativity.

Introduce the magic of music and movement activities in the early years

Music and movement activities for children are a vital part of early childhood development. Starting as early as infancy, these activities help develop physical literacy, motor skills, cognitive abilities, and emotional expression. However, it takes a caregivers’ guidance to help children get the full range of benefits and joy from music and movement.

Whether you’re at home or in a class setting, there are countless ways to incorporate music and movement into a child’s routine in a way that’s super creative or super simple. By doing so, you’re not just helping them grow physically, but also nurturing their creativity, social skills, and establishing a sense of routine.

Encourage your child to explore, have fun, and move to the beat—it’s one of the best gifts you can give them!

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