One person’s cacophony is another parent’s sweet, sweet music...at WoodenToyShop.co.uk we’ve witnessed just how much fun kids love playing with musical toys and of course we don’t mind putting up with a little bit of discordant noise when we see children enjoying themselves. While we’d be perfectly happy in the knowledge that our little ones were simply having fun banging a drum or hammering out a tune (of sorts!) on a xylophone, we’re acutely aware that musical play has many beneficial features that aid children’s development.
Earlier this year, in February, the Henley Review for the Department for Education made recommendations for the teaching of music in schools. Darren Henley, the Managing Director of Classic FM, issued a very well received report which focused on the delivery of musical education to children in England. In his letter to Mr. Henley, the Secretary of State at the Department of Education, Michael Gove, stated that the coalition government firmly supports the provision of music education and has indicated that every child should have the chance to learn to play an instrument and to sing. Furthermore, Mr. Gove outlined his belief that “music is important for every childâ€, confirmed that “government priorities recognise music as en enriching and valuable academic subject†and also, perhaps most interestingly for us here at WoodenToyShop.co.uk, listed the secondary benefits of a musical education as:
- Increased self esteem and aspirations.
- Improved behaviour and social skills.
- Improved academic achievement in such areas as numeracy, literacy and language.
The Department for Education has already responded positively to Mr. Henley’s recommendations and we hope that music remains an integral part of the National Curriculum in future and that our children are given as many opportunities as possible to experience, create and compose music from a very early age. With this in mind, WoodenToyShop.co.uk sells a selection of musical instruments and toys that are suitable for children from a very early age.
Baby’s love rattles and shaking a rattle is commonly one of our first musical experiences. Rattles, drums, bells and shakers teach children how to make musical sounds and beat out rhythms from a very early age. It doesn’t take long for little ones to graduate to xylophones, at which point they can begin to distinguish between musical notes and start to think about how songs and tunes are put together. Children appreciate a variety of musical instruments which is why we offer some sets such as John Crane’s Musical Instrument Set, the I’m Toy Melody Mix and Janod’s Percussion Set.
Toddlers and slightly older children love copying parents and pop stars by playing guitars and drum kits. It’s incredible that fully tuneable guitars are now available for young children, as are authentic sit down drum kits. If you’ve got more than one little angel running around your house, they can form a band at a very early age!
Whatever instruments you choose for your pre-schoolers, we’re sure that they will benefit from these enjoyable toys may kick start a lifetime’s passion for making and playing music. These early years instruments will aid auditory and visual development, improve fine motor skills and give an outlet to creative instincts. So go on, give them a head start and let them enjoy learning through musical fun.
