This article was sent to me by a colleague. I absolutely agree with what the article says, but as a full time parent, I don’t discount the occasional need for plonking kids in front of a video either. I believe Laurie Berkner, The Wiggles and Baby Einstein (to name only a few) provide quality entertainment with an educational base while parents take time to shower, run the vacuum, relax for a moment. I also know that as a former Kindermusik parent and a veteran educator, the time spent interacting with your child, both in the Kindermusik classroom, and with the home activities is invaluable. Remember, your child doesn’t evaluate your “talent” – they think you are terrific. Modeling active enjoyment of music, movement and literature will pay dividends in your child’s future development. Here’s the article.
From HeraldSun.com.au
PLONKING kids in front of music videos such as the Wiggles or Hi-5 doesn’t enhance their musical talent and may even hinder it.
New Australian research shows parents rely heavily on commercially produced CDs and DVDs for children’s musical stimulation, claiming they don’t have the time or musical talent for anything more creative.
But mass-market music products, especially those with a visual component such as videos, DVDs and TV, are no substitute for musical interaction between adults and children, and may even be detrimental, according to a Monash University education study.
“Singing with a young child allows for spontaneous vocal play, movement and drama that are not always possible with music CDs and DVDs,” said study author Peter de Vries. “Some products with a visual component are non-interactive . . . and detract from musical events.
“These products can constrain spontaneous musical play . . . and parents need to be aware of their detrimental effects on young children’s musical development.”
Dr de Vries’ survey of 63 parents of preschool pupils under five, published recently in the Australian Journal of Early Childhood, found 65 per cent of parents played music to children at least once a week and 18 per cent did so daily.
But only 29 per cent regularly sang to their kids and a meagre 8 per cent played with them using bought or made instruments. To see the rest of this article, please click here.
So, enjoy your morning coffee to the harmonious strains of the Wiggles. But, get out those instruments (or pots and pans) and groove to your own family band as well.
It’s a sunny day and the roads are clear. I’m headed to the Dairy Barn. See you in class!
