23 raring2go.co.uk Does music really make a difference to a baby? Rhythms and melodies are great fun to be around at any age, but the effect that it can have on a younger brain, especially a baby’s brain, is far more substantial than you might think. Even the use of simple instruments like shakers can help build cognitive function as well as develop grip and movement. What’s your favourite nursery rhyme? The introduction of simple songs on a regular basis increases knowledge and heightens the connection to the emotional system. Playing along to nursery rhymes at the same time as listening or singing builds both mental and physical strength and coordination, even if it is only banging a drum or woodblock. Did you learn anything from your favourite nursery rhyme? Besides being fun, music can help babies remember things they have learned. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star reminds us that the stars are in the sky and The Wheels On The Bus taught us all about the different elements on the school bus. We also learn language from the words in these simple tunes. Pop Goes The Weasel helped us form the ‘pop’ of a letter ‘p’ and Incy Wincy Spider with the sound ‘tss’. These sounds can help develop different articulators: can you work out which of those sounds uses your tongue and which needs your lips? Even nursery rhymes are a useful tool for learning and development!
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