Why Learn to Play an Instrument and Take Music Lessons?

Research shows that young people who take music lessons have significantly better developed brains then those who have never learned music. There a countless articles and discussions on the topic of children's music lessons and the development of the brain.

As early as the 19th century, the visionary Dr. Maria Montessori included music and arts into her worldwide school curriculum to greatly enhance and accelerate learning.

The brain develops at a rapid rate between birth and three and is an essential window for the development of neurons. Therefore, encouraging musical exploration is an easy way to promote intellectual development.

It is important to note that while studies show positive influences in other academic areas, music and the Fine Arts are an academic discipline that are, as the other academics, an independent way of learning and knowing.

Dr. Patricia Powers states, "It is not unusual to see program cuts in the area of music and arts when economic issues surface. It is indeed unfortunate to lose support in this area especially since music and the art programs contribute to society in many positive ways." What some school boards do not know is that cutting music might cause test scores to fall due to the positive effect on everything from academics to citizenship and ironically personal hygiene

According to the Florida Music Educators Association, "Music and the Fine Arts have been a significant portion of every culture's educational system for more than 3,000 years. The human brain has been shown to be "hard-wired" for music; there is a biological basis for music being an important part of human experience. Music and the Arts surround daily life in our present day culture. Most present day artists, architects, and musicians acquired their interests during public school music classes... Education without the Fine Arts is fundamentally impoverished and subsequently leads to an impoverished society.

The incorporation of music training from preschool to post secondary education is common in most nations because involvement in music is considered a fundamental component of human culture and behavior.

Music Lessons and performance provide the following developmental skills in children. Adults have noticed significant changes in mental acuity when learning how to play an instrument.

1. The ability to read a map, put puzzles together, form mental images, transform and/or visualize things in space that unfold over time, and recognize relationships between objects. This skill is often associated with science and math.

2. The symbols used in music notation can help with math especially in the area of equations.

3. Learning Music helps people with their thinking skills and organization of ideas into logical structures.

4. Learning an instrument optimizes the brain neuron development.

5. Playing music helps develop motor coordination and eye - hand coordination also know as psycho-motor coordination.

6. Playing in a band or orchestra helps people with communication skills.

7. Playing in a band promotes cooperation, social harmony and teaches people discipline while working toward a common goal.

8. Music augments memory. The repetition of playing a tune in a predictable structure makes memorization easier.

9. Improves critical reading and writing.

10. Raises test scores. and teaches people how to manage stress during exams.

11. Boosts creative thinking.

12. Improvisation helps people think on their feet.

13. Helps children channel unexpressed and/or negative emotions in a positive way.

Homeschool Lessons Made Easy - Learning Types and Understanding the Myth

What is a learning type?

Most educators at some point in their career have been introduced to the three learning styles: visual, auditory and kinesthetic. Even First Aid or swimming teachers learn that there are three separate styles. A visual learner remembers what is seen like notes on a blackboard, posters or a demonstration. An auditory learner will remember what is heard like verbal instructions, lyrics to a song or books read in class. A kinesthetic learner will remember body movements or sensations like building a birdhouse, kicking a soccer ball or making a model of the solar system. Instructors are taught that each person falls into only one category and to reach all learners, you must teach all three styles. This is only partially true.

Why is this misleading?

Although this belief holds some truth, it is misleading. The myth of believing that people are only one type of learner can be easily disproved with two examples: a Labrador puppy and a rollercoaster. If it were true that all people fall into only one category, then there would be people who could only imagine the yelp and whimper of a young Labrador puppy, but not the shiny coat and big paws or the feel the soft fur and sharp teeth. Similarly there would be people who would only be able to visualize a rollercoaster and not be able to imagine the sounds of screams and carnival music or feel of going over the steep drops and curves. The truth is that most people can imagine all three.

Almost everyone can imagine what an elephant looks, sounds and feels like. It is also easy to imagine the colour, texture and taste of an orange. Almost everyone can imagine the sound of fireworks or a phone ringing. Almost everyone can imagine the feel of a warm fire or cool water. People are capable of learning in all three styles, not just one.

How can we develop learning styles?

This is important to know since we can help students develop skills in a specific area without relying on the excuse that they are "not that type of learner". Although it is still good practice to present information to all three styles, don't expect student to wait until their style comes along. Students can be taught how to understand, remember and use materials that teach to all three styles.

Some skills do not come naturally to some students. Unfamiliar words in text books need to be looked up in a glossary or dictionary. Captions for diagrams need to be read carefully. When listening to instructions, questions must be asked to clarify any information that is unclear. To truly teach a student, you don't merely teach the information, you teach a student how to learn the information. It is like the old saying: if you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime. By giving a student the right skills, you teach him or her to learn for a lifetime.

Preparing Kids For Kids' Musical - Seven Rules vital to the success

children to act in a school environment and love to sing. Nothing could be better for children with this passion for acting and singing, as in a musical, with an exciting story that is not too long or too short not to run. The adoption of such a task can be quite daunting unless teachers follow certain procedures. This article will look like in seven procedures to put on a stunning musical wowing e.

Allow sufficient time

Do not take shortcuts here. From my experience,the shortest time that a group of teachers to prepare for a show needs at least a quarter or 10 weeks. two or three words would be better to leave enough time to learn and recite the songs are learned. After the time of this work is a spectacle could be chosen.

The choice of an exhibition and research

One of the most important decisions to be made is the choice of musical performances are presented. There are so many shows these days inchoose, in order to find a suitable for your needs children has been made really easy. By searching online, looking at the ads, they come to your school or see what other schools can play a coordinating group of teachers, a wise and informed decision on the right shows their children. True, the show has been decided. Teachers need to take time for specific tasks.

Teacher responsibility

To ensure a successful performance of eachLecturer in the Committee show must take responsibility for one or two aspects of the show. Someone has to be the whole film, someone else is responsible for the regulation of, songs, choreography, acting, costumes and dresses, publicity, props, audio-visual, lighting, the list of jobs over time is are moving ahead. reveal the roles usually fall into place quite easily with the teachers of the strengths in the foreground. It 'time for children is happening. Before eachPractices and rehearsals take place, children need to be exposed to the exhibition.

The exposure of the exhibition for children

There are several ways to expose children to a show, so get familiar with the story, in turn, create the desire to show off. Children must have a DVD of the show, if available appear. The information may also be on You Tube and check the place where the show was to present the additional information collectedchildren. About these teachers need to read the script, you then say what the children in their own words, it is. If the children know what is the musical as the major test can be started.

Auditions

This very important step must be done carefully. You do not choose the children wrong for wrong parts. From my experience, the following is working really well. Two or three teachers of children auditioned for the parties to discussthe strengths and weaknesses of each participant, then make important decisions regarding placement of character.

If the characters have to sing a solo, should not only his ability to act to consider, but also his singing skills. From my experience a great mistake was made, someone on her acting skills to select only a part is not working.

Character parts, they are children, the hard work of training and experience, learning lines has been assigned,Learning the songs starts.

Education and practice

Once the signs are assigned to child-scripts should be issued, and children should start learning their texts. The children sing in the choir or group must be given copies of the texts and begin to learn their words. If possible CD of the songs should be issued, so the children can practice the songs at home.

Teachers need to collaborate with actors and singers to concentrate on acting andVocals. It 'important that as soon as possible to start the cycle in order to maintain confidence and mastery of the vote shows the final presentation to an audience of real development.

As confidence and ability of each child grows and grows, is to collect the time to try the entire cast of the show singing from the beginning, the text line by line, smooth out rough spots and possibly make changes. Now it is almost time for the show will be presented.The test should take place.

Tests and performance

This is the most exciting moment of all for the children and teachers. According to lead an audience the icing on the cake "the reward for all the hard work of preparation is to show, went to load all the pieces. You dress a first sample, without an audience. To perform in front of the school, invite other schools, at home and older parents to come and observe. It ends with aNight performance.

Develop Your Child's Brain Through Quality Children's Music

Did you ever wonder how some adults seem really tuned into their environment? I've thought about it and wondered why some people I know enjoy a wide variety of experiences, while others could care less about what is going on around them. These enlightened and intelligent individuals are special, having a broad taste in foods, acute sense of smell, appreciation of textures and understanding of colors and a keen sense of sounds. What makes them different? Why do they have a keen sensory behavior and high intelligence?

Researchers think that it has something to do with the way that their brains are wired. At a very young age, exposure to music may be one of the contributors in the establishment of connections between brain cells and the building of the pathways that nurture a child's development. From my simple observations and experience, I believe that listening to good music at a young age does positively affect wiring in a child's brain. Children's music has to do more than just produce pleasant sounds to be effective, however. Music must engage the child's imagination in song and create an emotional bond that triggers these strong brain connections and development.

What does all this mean? If you want to help your kids enjoy life at its fullest, then provide them with high-quality children's music to listen to. I'm referring to the kind of kids' music that makes them think, songs that they can laugh at, music to get up and dance to and sing along with when the mood hits them. Who knows, you might find out in a few years from now that your kids are really good in math, reading exceptionally well, developing strong friendships, appearing to have more focus on tasks at hand and enjoying music too. Quality children's music can help make this happen.

I have four children and music has played an important role in their lives. All of them are very confident. Music has brought out the best in them, both personally and scholastically.

Children's music has come a long way since I listened to Sparky's Magic Piano and the Flight of the Bumble Bee. Today, even though there is a broad selection of kid's music to choose from, let's face it; a lot is insulting to a child's intelligence and terribly orchestrated. Children lose interest quickly if it does not have a catchy melody. Fortunately we live in an age where the internet helps you find great kids' music. It is now possible for you to sample songs prior to investing your hard earned money. You can visit websites like Amazon.com, iTunes, or companies like CDBaby and listen before you buy.

So what will your child respond to in kids' music? First, I suggest a good solid mix of styles and songs. Reggie, Rock, Blues and other genres will hold kids' attention. Choose music that is not repetitive, mundane or simple. Children are smarter than you think, even at a very young age. Lyrics should carry value messages, be catchy, and use "play on words." The instrumentation should be quality, layered and complex. Basically, lots of instruments and well thought out arrangements. Look for music that appeals to your child, makes them feel good, and, most importantly, select music that does not drive you crazy while listening to it along with your child!

Invest in good quality kids' music, crank up the CD player, or iPod, and watch your kids have a blast. You'll be developing their brains for future challenges and preparing them to fully enjoy all that life has to offer.

Music lesson plans - for different levels

Teaching music is a very satisfying, and yet a very demanding profession. If you are good at your job, you may often have to encounter situations where you discover that you are confused between various classes. This especially happens when you are teaching different grades. You thus need some well made Music Lesson Plans, so that you can do justice to your classes, and ensure that you are able to keep a track of what happens.

Thus, if you are planning to take up various sources for different levels, you need to make some good Music Lesson Plans. These plans are some of the best ways by which you can structure your classes. Your superiors as well as you students will be able to get a very good idea of what you are trying to accomplish through these plans.

With Music Lesson Plans tucked by your side, you can ensure that you don't fall into the trap of dull and routine classes. You can firmly decide what you want your students to accomplish in each class, and teach accordingly. One good way of doing this would be to list out the objective behind each lesson taught, and then check the box next to it after you have completed it. You can also mention the various activities and assignments that you are going to discuss with your students in class.

If you are confused about what to include, because you are teaching a level for the first time, you need not worry. There are some very good Music Lesson Plans available online, with which your work becomes much easier. You will be able to gain a fair idea of what is normally taught to kids belonging to that level, and then teach accordingly. These Music Lesson Plans thus are excellent tools that guide you towards successful teaching.

Music Lesson Plans - For Various Levels

Teaching music is a very satisfying, and yet a very demanding profession. If you are good at your job, you may often have to encounter situations where you discover that you are confused between various classes. This especially happens when you are teaching different grades. You thus need some well made Music Lesson Plans, so that you can do justice to your classes, and ensure that you are able to keep a track of what happens.

Thus, if you are planning to take up various sources for different levels, you need to make some good Music Lesson Plans. These plans are some of the best ways by which you can structure your classes. Your superiors as well as you students will be able to get a very good idea of what you are trying to accomplish through these plans.

With Music Lesson Plans tucked by your side, you can ensure that you don't fall into the trap of dull and routine classes. You can firmly decide what you want your students to accomplish in each class, and teach accordingly. One good way of doing this would be to list out the objective behind each lesson taught, and then check the box next to it after you have completed it. You can also mention the various activities and assignments that you are going to discuss with your students in class.

If you are confused about what to include, because you are teaching a level for the first time, you need not worry. There are some very good Music Lesson Plans available online, with which your work becomes much easier. You will be able to gain a fair idea of what is normally taught to kids belonging to that level, and then teach accordingly. These Music Lesson Plans thus are excellent tools that guide you towards successful teaching.

Make Learning Shapes Fun With Kids Crafts

Learning shapes is a fundamental skill toddlers and preschool children learn early in life. Shapes are all around us in everyday items like the television, drinking glasses and even windows in our houses. But learning to recognize the many different shapes is not always easy for toddlers.
 
As parents, grandparents and daycare providers, we can help kids learn shapes while having lots of fun. Kids of all ages love to create and make things with their own hands and these kids craft ideas are a perfect way to incorporate some fun and lots of learning.
 
Shapes Crafts for Kids
 
When learning shapes, kids generally start with the basic shapes like circles, squares, triangles, etc. So think of anything that has these basic shapes and then turn it into a kids craft idea. For instance, using simple craft supplies like construction paper, scissors and glue you can make many different shapes crafts.
 
Here are some quick ideas for shapes crafts that you can do with your kids.
 
A House of Shapes
 
Cut out basic house shapes with different colored construction paper. Use a square or rectangle for the house, a triangle for the roof and several circles, ovals, smaller squares and rectangles for the parts of the house.
 
Then have the kids glue the house together on a piece of paper. They can use ovals, circles or whatever shape for the windows. Have them name the shapes as they glue their house together.
 
Animal Shapes Crafts
 
Kids can create many animals, insects and fish using some of the basic shapes. For instance, create a cute angel fish using triangle shapes to form the body, tail and fins. Penguins are all the rage right now and your kids can put one together with a few oval shapes and a circle for the head. Use black and white construction paper or craft foam and you can have a cute penguin in no time. Glue them to a popsicle stick and you have an instant puppet.
 
Inexpensive Crafts to Learn Shapes
 
Kids craft ideas do not have to be expensive or even use your typical craft supplies. Instead recycle some of your household items to make many different shaped crafts. Reuse an empty coffee can to make a simple drum. The circle shape of the can is perfect for creating a drum set. Just cover the can with construction paper, decorate and put the lid back on. Then use some wooden dowels or BBQ skewers and some wooden beads to create your drum sticks. If you don't have wooden beads you can even use marshmallows. Just stick the marshmallow on the end of the stick. You can even paint them which will help seal the gooey treat. Keep in mind, these drumsticks are not for eating. 
 
Use paper plates to create a king or queen's crown. Cut out several triangles from the middle of the plate and then decorate with glitter glue, beads and ribbon and they have a king or queen's crown they can wear.
 
Get out the old newspapers and create a Paper Mache craft. Paper Mache is a great way to create many different shaped crafts. You can create an oval shaped Easter egg by blowing up a balloon (into an oval shape) and then just start laying your Paper Mache together. Once everything is dried, just decorate and you have a finished craft. 
 
Shapes Activities
 
Learning shapes with kids crafts are a great way to get the children involved and having fun while they learn. You can also add many shapes activities for kids to help reinforce their learning.  Create several flash cards with different shapes and have them play "concentration" or matching the shapes with the cards.
 
You can even reinvent those old favorite childhood games like "red light, green light". Instead of the child calling out red light, green light, give them two shapes to call out and one shape would mean go and the other would mean stop. Another kid's activity idea for learning shapes is to place different objects around the house. Then ask your child to find all square shaped objects, and then circle shapes, etc.
 
Another great way to help with their learning is with fun songs or lyrics. Studies show that by adding a catchy tune or lyrics children are able to retain the information better. Rather you use kids craft ideas, activities, a catchy song or a combination of all of these, you and your kids will have fun while they learn their shapes.