PRESCHOOLERS, MUSIC and MATH!

In this article I will be delving into the benefits of teaching music/rhythm to preschoolers. I’ll also share some super easy ways preschools can incorporate some fun “rhythm” into their classrooms. There are some really cool things I’ll share (trade “secrets”, if you will) that my team and I have discovered over the years. So let's explore how this harmonious relationship works and discover innovative ways to introduce rhythm into the educational journey of the children in your preschool.

How Preschool Music and Preschool Math Intertwine

As children engage with music, they begin to grasp fundamental mathematical concepts without even realizing it. Rhythm in songs is a prime example. As kids sing along, they learn to count sequentially; this repetition reinforces number recognition and basic arithmetic skills. The interplay between music's structure and mathematics creates a rich environment for cognitive growth during these critical preschool years. As children experience this blend of creativity and logic, their brains develop connections, creating circuitry that will remain with them for life!

How Teaching Rhythm to Preschoolers Accelerates Math Skills

Through music, children tap into patterns and sequences that mirror mathematical concepts. Music introduces patterns through beats and sequences. Children start recognizing these patterns in both sound and visuals, laying the groundwork for future math skills and problem-solving abilities. Playing rhythm instruments, clapping hands, dancing, or tapping feet encourages coordination while enhancing understanding of fractions—half-time versus whole-time rhythms illustrate these concepts perfectly.

Rhythmic activities promote counting – especially if children are taught to keep time by counting beats out loud. This reinforces number recognition and enhances their understanding of mathematics. Rhythm also encourages spatial awareness. As children move in time with music, they develop an intuitive grasp of space—essential for geometry later on.

The coordination required in rhythmic activities also strengthens fine motor skills vital for writing numbers and letters down the line. Each clapped hand or stomped foot lays a foundation for future learning in math.

How to Get Started Teaching Rhythm to Preschoolers

Start by introducing simple clapping. Use familiar songs kids love and encourage them to clap along with the beat. TIP: Do not do the song acapella (without music). Play a familiar music track that they can easily clap along to. There needs to be a constant beat to which they follow along. Next, replay the song. However, this time, instead of the kids merely keep time with the music, have them clap for “every syllable” they sing in the song. This will enable them to easily coordinate more complex rhythm patterns. (Please note, this second concept is more for preschoolers – pre-K. For Toddlers, if you go through the song a second time, just have them clap again to the beat.)

Another fun thing you can do is body percussion. Have kids stomp their feet or pat their thighs or tap their shoulders in time with music. This helps them feel the rhythm physically.

Use visual aids like colored cards or pictures of animals representing rhythms. For instance, a slow-moving turtle could symbolize slower beats while a speedy rabbit represents faster ones.

FUN CLAPS is something we do in our Happy Piano classes and it is another great way to teach children various rhythms. It is also fun for children to come up with words that can be used for FUN CLAPS. For example – you can use different jungle animal names and clap them out.

Each syllable gets one clap:

Ti ger

El e phant

Rhi no ce ros

Chim pan zee

Mon key

You can actually use many different kinds of FUN CLAPS (or if being played on a rhythm instrument - FUN TAPS or FUN SHAKES.)

Rhythm Instruments

Everything we have covered so far can be facilitated by “clapping hands”. However, rhythm is even more fun when using rhythm instruments! Rhythm instruments are also easy for little ones of all ages to play. If you do not have enough rhythm instruments, you can improvise by using other items in the classroom. Something as simple as giving children a hard cover book to tap out rhythms will make them happy.

You can also consider sending a note home with children, asking parents to provide an everyday object for a special “rhythm day”. A set of wooden spoons or a plastic bowl with a wooden spoon make excellent tools for creating fun rhythmic sounds!

Conclusion

The synergy between music and math accelerates cognitive skills and enhances social development (through group activities). By integrating rhythm into learning, educators can create a vibrant environment where children thrive academically, socially, and creatively. Preschools embracing this approach create an exciting adventure for children and lay a strong foundation for their future academic success. Directors, please reach out to me if you would like to discuss how The Happy Piano can positively affect the music you offer in your preschool. We specialize ONLY in this age group and have many unique, innovative and fun ways to teach music to children! We are fun – but serious! Thanks for reading! Til next time, Lindee