Children were made to dance

Harriman — Musikamala, a music education program for children, began this fall in Harriman. It incorporates developmentally appropriate activities that involve the whole child - the body’s urge to move, the brain’s attraction to patterns, the ear’s lead in initiating communication, the voice’s response to sounds, and the eye-hand coordination needed to play instruments. The instructor, Daryl Bailin, B.A., R.N., is a certified Musikgarten teacher. The curriculum includes Family Music for toddlers and The Cycle of Seasons for preschoolers. Bailin says that many parents of young children enroll their children in music class because it is a fun way to spend time together, and an activity to which children are naturally drawn. But there are other benefits, as well, he says, and, unlike cribs, strollers, and clothes, children will never outgrow these benefits. She offers the following excerpt of an article recently presented in Early Childhood Connections, a journal for early-childhood educators: “Music is a language, and children instinctively learn to recognize all forms of communication. Music evokes movement, which children delight in for their development and growth. Music stimulates the neural pathways associated with higher forms of intelligence such as abstract thinking, empathy, and mathematics. Music’s melodic and rhythmic patterns provide exercise for the brain and aid in the memory process. Remember the ABC song? Music is an aural art. Since hearing is fully mature before birth, infants are absorbing the sounds of their environment prior to birth. Music is perfectly designed for training listening skills. Good listening skills and school achievement go hand in hand. Making music is a creative experience that involves expression of feelings. Children often do not have the words to express themselves and need positive ways to release their emotions. Music transmits culture and is a means by which songs, rhymes, and dances can be passed down from one generation to the next. Music is a social activity that involves family and community participation. Children love to sing and dance at home, school, and at church.” Classes are held at the Harriman United Methodist Church at 13 Church St. Four sessions are held during the school year. To register for the winter session, call 325-7652 or e-mail musikamala@sacredorchard.org.