The Gift Of Music
The three essentials of education are well known as “the three R’s”, reading, writing and arithmetic. But did you know there are three additional R’s that are just as beneficial to your child’s development? These “other three R’s” are rhythm, rhyme, and repetition and are all found in one of the greatest gifts of all, the gift of music.
Research in early childhood development has found that listening to music contributes to cognitive development and prepares the brain for learning. It’s exciting to know that something as enjoyable as music can increase your child’s brain function when it comes to memorization and retrieval of information. But how does this happen? What explains why words set to music that we listen to during early childhood is information we can so easily recall years later? It’s called Structure.
No doubt you’ve heard the saying “wrap your head around it”. The fact is, your child’s brain is wired to literally embrace structure. This is where the “other three R’s”, rhythm, rhyme and repetition come into play. They are three of your child’s best friends when it comes to storage and retrieval of information and are the building blocks to the structure of music.
Rhythm, rhyme and repetition found in songs are like a secret sauce for the brain and are the easiest way to memorize anything.
Creatives and early educators have known this since ancient times. These three R’s found not only in music, but also in poetry, rap, and spoken word, have been used to pass down stories, family history and other information for generations. Most recently, a lot of us learned and practically memorized the life story of Alexander Hamilton because it was put to song in the smash hit musical “Hamilton”, which many of us put on repeat. The story was filled with details, but it was easy to learn because of the power of the three R’s!
Enjoyable music with a healthy message is worth putting on repeat.
At Mamala Media we recognize the magical ingredients of rhythm, rhyme and repetition as tools for parents and educators. Introducing the gift of music with a biblical over-lay of God’s word early in your child’s life is a wonderful way to establish true meaning and purpose as the foundation for your child’s rapid development. As your children form their sense of self and what they will value, the messages of lyrics are vitally important. That’s why our passion is to provide resources through music, books and animation that give your family options in media with an emphasis on scripture and the wonderful ways of God.
We believe it’s never too early for a child to know the love of God.
Starting at the lullaby stage, your child will absorb the sights and sounds around them. Therefore, choose wisely the kinds of songs you play at home and in the car. Words set to music imbed themselves deep in the brain establishing memories that influence a child’s thoughts into adulthood. The rhythm, rhyme, and repetition of God’s word bathed in great music will provide more than entertainment. It will provide values to live by for a lifetime. Now that’s a gift worth putting on repeat!
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