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Confidence Boosters: Let's Talk Music

Children don't just sing, play and dance to music. As they grow they learn to think about it. Learning to give a verbal response to music is a key part of the National Curriculum. They will be communicating with their teacher and with other children in their class, expressing their feelings about music and reactions to sound. You can help by creating a dialogue with your child about music from an early age. There is plenty that you can do to encourage this.

 
Amanda is really starting to form strong opinions about what music she likes and dislikes and why. We find it great fun rooting through my record collection and discussing what she thinks of my musical taste!
Donna Curran, Parent
 
 Top Tips:
  • Ask your child what they do in their music lessons at school
  • Play them different types of music and ask them what they think. Encourage considered responses: not just 'I don't like it' but 'I don't like it because...'
  • Go though your record collection with them and talk to them about the music that you like to listen to
  • Ask them what their friends at school like listening to - you will be surprised at how early young children become interested in popular music
  • Ask them what they think is happening in a song - 'is it getting faster or slower?' - you could turn this into an enjoyable quiz
  • Ask your child what they are thinking about when they hear the piece of music that you are playing them. What can they imagine? You could ask them to tell you a story to go with the music. Try some well-known classics or some film music. Watch Disney's 'Fantasia' with them.
 
 
Parents' Music Room Links:
Child Development Chart | Listening to Live Music | Parenting - Building your child's confidence
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Every child is unique and develops at his or her own pace. The information in BBC Parents' Music Room is for information and guidance only and should not be treated as a substitute for medical, legal or other professional advice.
YOUR CHILD AGE 5 - 7
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Music to Make Your Child's Party Swing
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Parenting - Building Your Child's Confidence
 
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