The Joy of Music
The Joy of Music
Why Is Joy Important?
Boogie Mites have been working with Ben Kingston Hughes from Inspired Children on some collaborative webinars and a co-written song, "Jazz Hands Dinosaur". Ben’s passion for the importance of joyful moments in early years combined with his knowledge about the power of shared music-making to provide these moments of joy, make him a great partner for Boogie Mites.
“….I then began to research music and singing. I had absolutely no idea just how intrinsically important music and singing are for children. To say my mind was blown was an understatement. The neurological, emotional and even health benefits of singing are phenomenal and the fundamental importance of music for our whole species cannot be understated.” Ben Kingston Hughes, Early Years Play Specialist, Trainer and Author.
We really love Ben’s emphasis on the importance of joy, which has been forgotten in the EYFS curriculum. Ben points out that this simple 3 letter word is not mentioned anywhere in the EYFS or Development Matters and seeks to highlight this as a significant omission. In his research and work experience as a play specialist, he can see that all the magic happens in the moments of joyful play. Our experience at Boogie Mites confirms this, and Ben has helped us to see the importance of emphasising this aspect of regular music practice in early years, not just focusing on the benefits for language, physical, social, emotional, literacy and maths development – which happen as a result of the magic that happens in the joyful moments of musical play.
Why Is Music Joyful?
We all recognise that music uplifts us, whether just listening, dancing or singing along, this is why it is prominent part of our celebrations and leisure time. The physiological explanation can be explained by what we at Boogie Mites call the daily DOSE of music magic. Participation in music activities releases the hormones Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin and Endorphins into the brain. Dopamine is known as a happy chemical, Oxytocin is also related to positive feelings, Serotonin helps you relax and stay focused, Endorphins excite and energise us. Hence the elation that can be experienced through music engagement.
Is Joy in Decline?
The current climate of post pandemic stress, increased screen time for children, rising mental illness for adults and rising poverty is showing as in an increase in anxiety in young children. This indicates that opportunities for sharing of joyful time needs addressing as a priority in early years settings and homes.
How Can We Introduce More Joy?
Attunement play is where adults directly tune in with children. You need to find your inner child and interact, being silly and playful with them. Music time can provide a great opportunity for this.
Activity ideas
Traditional songs and rhymes can be delivered using role play, fun actions and funny noises to keep children engaged and to encourage them to follow your lead, being silly and joyful!
One musical that we've found children really love is drumming; it gives them an outlet for using energy in a fun and noisy way! Keep an eye out in future Boogie Mites articles for more on this, and a free drumming song.
At Boogie Mites we love to include role play games in our music sessions. In this article we are providing a free download of Boogie Mites D’yathinkhesaurus, a fun game with the dinosaurs that encourages children to act scared as they pretend to be hiding from dinosaurs in the primeval swamps and then to have fun as they play peek-a-boo with them. Children often squeal with delight as they join in with this song!
Before the song:
Describe the dinosaurs that you are hiding from, role playing their size, characteristics and actions, then explain that it turns into a fun game. Teach them the chorus, encouraging singing and clapping along.
Put on the song, then act, sing and clap along. Remember that you have to act it out, being silly and having fun too!
You can download Boogie Mites D’yathinkhesaurus song and video training by signing up here: https://ex246.infusionsoft.com/app/form/dyathinkesaurus-request-form
We are running our Joy of Music webinar, co-presented by Ben Kingston-Hughes and Boogie Mites trainer, Liv McLennan, on 5th December. You can find out more and book your space here:
https://www.boogiemites.co.uk/shop/joy-of-music-workshop/
Boogie Mites Core Music Programmes:
Boogie Mites music programmes provide everything you need to boost your music provision in the setting and outside, for each age group, boosting movement, mood and cognitive development for all involved - staff and children.
Boogie Mites School Ready Music Programme (3-5 years)
https://www.boogiemites.co.uk/shop/school-ready-training-package/
Boogie Mites Minis Music Programme (2-3 years)
https://www.boogiemites.co.uk/shop/minis-music-training-package/
Boogie Mites Teenies Music Programme (crawlers to 2 years)
https://www.boogiemites.co.uk/shop/teenies-music-training-package/
Boogie Mites are offering a special 20% discount to Morton Michel policyholders as well as a programme launch meeting. Apply the code BMMM20 at the checkout to receive your discount.
Contact sue@boogiemites.co.uk for information about onsite training options.
The information in this article is provided by Boogie Mites and does not represent Morton Michel.