Children are born with the ability to communicate nonverbally through sound and movement, the basis of music and dance.
This ability is honed and developed as a child grows older, resulting in spoken language and motor skills. This gradual development and transition is clearly outlined in the Department for Education's targets for children's communication skills, as shown in the Early Years Foundation Stage.
This document refers to the importance of rhyme, rhythm and associated movement, through interactive rhymes
such as 'Clap Hands' in the development of spoken communication, and the work that LMN delivers for early years groups enhances this approach to learning.
We both loved the musical story time at the library. Harry found it very stimulating and was fascinated by the different sounds.Mother & Baby (19 weeks old)
LMM believes that children's intrinsic musical skills should be nurtured, and by providing programmes and activities which combine music, movement and creative play, we are able to meet a gap in provision in many children's early education - to experience and participate in live music.
LMN began delivering activities specifically for children aged 3 - 5 years in 2006, but quickly came to realise the impact that participation in live performance had on very young children and the early years practitioners who support them.
My child is more musical at home, he is wanting to listen to music and drums along with the beat. Parent of a 4 year old child
LMN's early years activities have now developed to work with babies and children from birth to five, as well as their parents. Making music together enables families to interact in a different way to that of daily life; they work together more equally, listening and responding to each others musical ideas and rhythms, and, perhaps most importantly for very young children, non verbally.
The music was great, and I loved the variety of instruments. The rhythms were very interesting to the children and inspired me to do more with my children. 'Parent
In addition to delivering activities for children and parents, LMN also provides bespoke training for people working with early years groups in a variety of settings. To date we have delivered training for early years practitioners, librarians and early arts practitioners from non-musical backgrounds.
Our training packages provide groups with the confidence and basic skills to use music, body percussion and simple instruments within their setting or venue to stimulate and support their children's learning and development.
The session was very relevant and thought provoking. I will now be able to encourage children to interpret music and sound through physical movement.
Click here for Case Studies:
Early Years project in Scotland
Early Years library project in North Yorkshire
