For many parents, finding a way to help their children learn and have fun at the same time is a major goal that can be difficult to actually pin down. Every child learns differently, and it’s important to make sure his needs are met while keeping his self-esteem a priority. That’s why getting your child involved in the arts is so beneficial as many creative pursuits can help build self-confidence and help with learning literacy skills.

“Encourage students to close their eyes and describe what they imagine when they listen to music. Then draw their attention to how this parallels with reading. They may see abstract lines and colors, they may see a story unfold, or they may visualize the video that goes with that particular song. Visualization is a huge key to comprehension. And, practicing this skill with music can be a fun way to practice it,” writes Elizabeth Peterson.

From learning about language and math skills to boosting memory function and social skills, music is one of the best ways to help a child develop both at school and at home. If your child’s school has a music program, help him get involved by learning to play an instrument. Many schools offer classes that teach various music skills, all of which can help your child find a different way to learn complicated concepts.

Sing at Home

It’s never too early to help your child get involved and interested in music. Start by singing simple songs and encouraging your child to join you; nursery rhymes are wonderful for younger kids, as they can help boost memory function through repetition. For older kids, put on a song with a good beat, push back the furniture, and have a dance party. Most kids have a natural love of music and will benefit from hearing it throughout the day.

Create Space for Your Child to Play

If your child is interested in playing an instrument, create a good space for him to play without distractions or interruptions. It should be in a quiet area that is away from the general flow of traffic in the house. Provide a comfortable place to sit and keep the temperature consistent, especially if he’ll be storing his instrument there — changes in temperature can cause warping of strings.

If you live in an apartment, however, finding a place to practice an instrument in your home may be difficult, especially if the walls are a little thin. If you’ve been thinking about moving anyway, try to find a new place that can accommodate your child’s love of music. Use sites like Rent.com to search for an apartment with the number of bedrooms and amenities you need to support your child’s budding musical abilities.

Online, there are plenty of resources that can encourage your child’s love of music, from instrument tutorials to video sing-alongs to streaming concerts. With a capable device, lightning-fast internet, and a subscription to a music-centric learning app or two, you can foster a love for music in the comforts of home.

Get Involved

One of the best ways to help your child get involved in music is to get involved in it yourself. Take day trips to local concerts or pick up an instrument and set a goal to learn it alongside your child. Studies have shown that kids are more likely to stick with something when a parent shows interest and plays an active role in helping them succeed. Talk to your child about his favorite music. Learn all you can about the genre, and encourage him to do the same.

Helping your child take an interest in music can be beneficial on so many levels, from learning different approaches to math, reading, and language concepts to getting social with other kids. Talk to his teacher about how you can help him succeed with an instrument or with singing, and make a point to encourage him to stay motivated. With a little planning and some encouragement, you can help your child find self-confidence and learn how to make connections in the classroom that he might not have made before

If you need someone to produce, compose, write, or arrange your next musical project, get in touch with Achickwitbeatz. Schedule your appointment today.