Music and movement are important for children's development in several ways. They enhance communication, aid language development, and contribute to other domains like mood and cognition by involving the whole brain. For children, music involves the whole body through movement, not just singing or playing instruments. Musical experiences develop through different stages from infancy through ages 7-8, with the potential for creativity greatest between ages 3-5 when children learn through doing and self-expression. However, society risks losing creativity by overemphasizing academic achievement and "right" answers over exploration, divergent thinking, and using movement and imagination.

1. PICA CHAPTER 2 MOVEMENT’S ROLE IN MUSICAL AND CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT ECE 236 Motor Development and Movement Education

2. Pica Chapter 2 Music & The Young Child Why is music important to children? Communication – enhances/motivates Richness of culture Bridge gaps-non-verbal Aids language development & listening skills Mood-altering Contributes to other domains of development Whole brain involvement Aesthetic senses

3. Pica Chapter 2 Role of Movement in Music The Role of Movement Music and movement not separate For children not just auditory, there is a whole-body response Different than just singing or playing an instrument

4. Pica Chapter 2 Developmental Stages of Musical Experiences Infants 2 year olds 3 year olds 4 year olds 5 – 6 year olds 7 – 8 year olds Learning by DOING!

5. Pica Chapter 2 Creativity What is creativity? Potential greatest between 3-5 years The lost art of self-expression

6. Pica Chapter 2 Creativity Future implications Misconceptions: High academic achievement = creativity Creativity is the domain of artists Society places value on “right” answers What is happening to imaginations?

7. Pica Chapter 2 Creativity T he role of movement Instruction vs. exploration Divergent thinking, problem-solving Opportunities to imagine Relationship between thinking and feeling/mind and body are critical to creativity