The importance of music in preschool

Music has been made and enjoyed throughout history, it is a powerful and effective way to spread a message, tell a story or express your feelings.

But for a young child music has the ability to ignite all areas of development. Music has the ability to improve intellectual, social – emotional, motor, language and Maths skills. Music strengthens the connection between the body and the brain, to work together.

Irrespective of age, children have an inborn love for music, they instinctively bounce, move or sway in response to music heard, even if they do not understand or are unable to sing the lyrics of the song. Singing is so natural for children. It can bring so much joy to any occasion.

Exposure to music from an early age helps children speak clearly and develop a larger vocabulary. Music requires a child to listen, interpret what has been heard and repeat it correctly. They hear how sounds differ from one another thereby enhancing auditory discrimination skills. Listening and singing along to songs can lead to improvement in a child’s understanding of language. 

When a child feels the beat in their feet, they cannot help but clap, jump, wiggle, or dance. Through music a child learns co-ordination, balance and control. Thereby developing both fine motor and gross motor skills. Dancing is definitely among the best ways to encourage a love of music in children.

When music and movement activities are included into a preschool curriculum, children’s self-confidence and ability to cooperate with their peers increases. Singing and dancing as a group allows children to learn the importance of respecting others’ space and to practice working in a cohesive group in order to achieve a common goal. Music teaches respect, teamwork and collaboration.

Music and movement allow children to encounter many opportunities to practice counting in a fun interactive way, keeping them engaged and excited to learn. Counting can be taught using songs and tunes. By listening to music and playing instruments, pre-schoolers will learn to mimic a beat and therefore translate that into simple patterns. Music allows pre-schoolers to be captivated and eager to learn.

Both music and movement are an important aspect in any preschool environment, which cannot be underestimated. When both music and movement are incorporated into the school day it prepares children’s minds for effective learning throughout their school years.

However, home is the most important learning environment in a child’s lifetime, and the role of parent’s is a crucial one in this dynamic period of development. Parents should sing and play music often to their children as nothing is more important for a child’s musical development. We have more access to music than ever before. When it comes to listening to music with your children, listen to music you love and try to expand your musical tastes. Children are born without musical preference, if they love a song, it’s because they just love the song. Their taste in music is untainted by society. Parents should take their children to live performances, if they want to inspire a lifelong love of music.

Music can mean different things to different people; everyone has their own idea of why music is important to them. No matter what people feel, music has undeniably got the power to feed one’s soul. 

“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” ― Billy Joel

By Mrs Janette Gartside, Teacher at Pinnacle College Rynfield

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4 thoughts on “The importance of music in preschool”

  1. Avatar photo
    Felicia Austin

    I knew music was important, but wow, after reading your post I realize I didn’t know the full importance of it at a young age. I also believe music is helpful throughout all grades! It’s sad that some schools don’t have music or it’s the first thing that gets cut when they have budget issues. All three of my kids love music. My oldest daughter plays the drums (like I did) and my son loves the viola! My toddler loves all music instruments right now, lol anything that makes music really haha.

    Reply
  3. Avatar photo
    Nicole Steyn

    I’ve always been a lover of music… for the longest time I couldn’t go to sleep without music playing the background. It was like a safety blanket. Learning to play the piano and singing from a young age definitely had a positive impact on various aspects of my life, and especially my confidence when I started singing in my church band and later playing the piano for them. I love watching children react to music and how it influences their behaviour.

    Reply
  4. Avatar photo
    Vidya Sury

    Music is magical for everyone and especially for a child. It brings happiness, helps a child develop, encourages a talent and is calming. Right from the time they wake up to the moment they get into bed, music plays such a pleasant and valuable role in a child’s life! Babies grow up listening to their parents humming and it brings them such joy. Wonderful post explaining the value of music for a child!

    Reply

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Why Free Play, Gentle Guidance, and Community Matter More Than Ever 

In a world of packed schedules, rising anxieties, and digital distractions, the way we parent has never been more complex, or more important. Children don’t need perfect childhoods, they need real ones. Ones filled with play, protection and participation to grow.

“Today’s parenting styles often come from a place of deep love,” says Ursula Assis, Country Director for Dibber International Preschools in South Africa. “But when we hover too closely or clear every obstacle before our children reach it, we can unintentionally rob them of the small struggles that help them thrive.”

Modern terms like ‘helicopter parenting’ and ‘lawnmower parenting’ describe well-intentioned behaviours. ‘hovering’ to protect and help or smoothing every path to prevent discomfort. While these approaches are rooted in care, they often overlook what child development experts call the ‘just-right challenge’. Dibber’s approach, built on Nordic pedagogical principles, embraces this balanced philosophy which gives children the support they need while encouraging and maintaining independence.

“Children build confidence by trying, failing, and trying again. That’s where resilience begins”, explains Assis. “When we pair warmth with boundaries, and love with opportunity, we see incredible growth -not just academically, but socially and emotionally.”

Free play remains one of the most powerful developmental tools in early childhood. Whether it’s climbing, balancing, or imaginative playing, these experiences help children build executive function, manage emotions, and understand social dynamics. With adult support close by – but not overbearing – these activities become safe and enriching opportunities to learn.

In South Africa, Dibber believes parents have a unique advantage: community. Grandparents, neighbours, and extended families as they often play a vital role in raising children. “That village of support is our strength,” Assis adds. “We encourage families to use it -plan outdoor playdates, invite cousins to join, share learning spaces. There’s no app that can replace the value of human connection.”

At Dibber’s campuses across Gauteng, the Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, the focus is on nurturing not just cognitive skills, but the whole child. Teachers act as gentle guides, helping children navigate early life’s hurdles with empathy, patience, and clear structure. The result? Children who feel seen, heard, and confident enough to explore the world.

“Resilience doesn’t come from a perfectly smooth path. It comes from knowing that when life gets bumpy, someone is there to support you while you take the wheel,” says Assis. “At Dibber, we’re not raising perfectionists—we’re helping raise capable, compassionate human beings.”

For parents wondering whether they’re doing it ‘right’, Dibber offers this reassurance: there is no single perfect parenting style. What matters most is balance. Guide, protect, listen, and most importantly let children play, explore, and grow into who they want to be.

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Discover the Magic of Twinkl Literary Classics for Little Learners

Step into a world of wonder and imagination with the Twinkl Literary Classics for Little Learners range — a beautifully curated collection of timeless tales thoughtfully adapted to ignite a love of reading in young children. This range offers a gentle introduction to some of literature’s most cherished stories, designed to nurture curiosity, empathy, and a lifelong passion for books.

Why Introduce Classic Literature to Little Learners?

In an age where digital distractions are everywhere, sharing classic stories with children opens a door to rich storytelling traditions, diverse cultures, and timeless life lessons. These beloved tales connect readers to historical contexts, moral dilemmas, and universal themes, helping children explore complex emotions and understand the world through different perspectives.

Reading classic literature at a young age can also enhance language development and vocabulary, introducing children to beautiful, expressive language they may not encounter elsewhere. The vivid imagery and memorable characters spark imagination and creativity, encouraging children to dream big and think beyond their immediate surroundings.

Moreover, these stories help build resilience and moral reasoning as children witness characters navigating challenges, making difficult decisions, and growing through adversity. This not only fosters empathy but also empowers young readers to see themselves as capable of kindness, bravery, and perseverance in their own lives. 

Thoughtfully Adapted for Young Readers

The Twinkl Literary Classics for Little Learners range carefully reimagines classic tales to suit young audiences. We’ve simplified intricate subplots, adjusted complex themes, and ensured the language remains accessible and engaging for early readers — all while preserving the heart and essence of each original story. 

Sensitive and Age-Appropriate Storytelling

We understand that some classic tales touch on challenging themes like loss, conflict, or hardship. Rest assured, any sensitive content has been handled with care, softened to align with the emotional maturity of younger readers. When pivotal to the plot, these themes are presented gently, providing an opportunity for meaningful conversations without overwhelming little minds.

Shared Reading and Meaningful Conversations

Reading these stories together can be a special bonding experience. As you turn the pages with your child, you can explore big ideas, answer curious questions, and encourage thoughtful discussions. This shared experience helps foster critical thinking and emotional growth, allowing children to reflect on the story’s characters, choices, and underlying messages.

Sparking a Lifelong Love of Literature

Above all, the Twinkl Literary Classics for Little Learners range is designed to inspire joy and wonder. We hope these adaptations become treasured favourites in your home, laying the foundation for a lifetime of literary exploration. After all, stories have the power to captivate, comfort, and empower — and every child deserves the chance to discover the magic of books.

The range of Twinkl Literary Classics for Little Learners can be found here: https://www.twinkl.co.za/l/yxsux

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Every Child Belongs: Growing Hearts and Minds at Dibber

“Parenting in the early years is an adventure. One moment, you’re watching your child turn snack time into a science experiment, and the next, you’re untangling playground disagreements. But beyond the daily chaos, one of the most valuable lessons we can teach our children is how to embrace others—quirks and all.

“At Dibber, we believe in nurturing hearts and minds for the future. That means raising children who don’t just exist alongside others but truly see, value, and respect them. Inclusion isn’t just a concept—it’s a way of life, and it starts in early childhood.

“As an educator, a special needs parent, and someone who is autistic myself, I understand inclusion from multiple perspectives. I’ve seen firsthand the joy and growth that happens when children are given the space to connect with those who experience the world differently. But I’ve also encountered moments that remind me of the work still to be done—like when a parent once said, “That child has something wrong in his head and needs to be removed” about my son. Statements like this come from a place of misunderstanding, and that’s exactly why we need to keep having these conversations.

“We all see our children as perfect in their own way. But every child has challenges, a unique way of thinking, and moments of joy and struggle. Some differences stand out more than others, and too often, children who communicate, learn, or express emotions differently are misunderstood. Rather than approaching differences with fear or judgment, we can choose curiosity and kindness.

“Early childhood is the foundation of lifelong learning. If we want to build a more inclusive society, we have to start by fostering inclusion in the places where children spend their earliest years. At Dibber, we see every child as competent and full of potential. That means we don’t just include children with diverse needs—we celebrate them.

“If your child has a disagreement with another, instead of immediately assigning blame, take a moment to ask, “What happened?” Encourage them to consider different perspectives. Autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences—these aren’t things to be ‘fixed.’ They are simply different ways of experiencing the world, and when we talk about them openly, they become a natural part of life.

“Children naturally gravitate toward those who are similar to them, but true growth happens when they form relationships with those who see the world differently. When we help children build friendships based on understanding rather than sameness, we give them a skill that will serve them for life.

“Imagine telling a child who wears glasses that they can’t be part of a school because their eyesight isn’t ‘normal.’ It sounds absurd. Yet, when it comes to neurodivergent children, exclusion still happens too often. The truth is that inclusive education benefits everyone. It teaches patience, adaptability, and social skills that matter in the real world. Like our communities, our schools should reflect diversity’s beauty—not just a narrow version of it.

“To the parent who once questioned my child’s place in school, let me reassure you: His mind is just fine. In fact, it’s filled with creativity, curiosity, and insights that might surprise you. The real challenge isn’t his brain—it’s a world that sometimes struggles to make room for different kinds of minds.

“So, if your child has a neurodivergent classmate, take a moment. Instead of jumping to conclusions, encourage them to ask questions and be open. Teach them to be kind, not cautious, to be inclusive, not indifferent. Because one day, they will grow up and enter a world filled with people who think and experience life in all sorts of ways. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if they were prepared for that? Imagine if a child knew how valuable they are.

“Inclusion isn’t about charity; it’s about humanity. As parents and educators, we have the power to raise a generation that sees the value in every mind, every perspective, and every person. Let’s make the most of that opportunity.

“One day, your child may have a friend who communicates differently, a colleague who approaches problems from a new angle, or a partner who sees the world in a unique way. The empathy and understanding they learn now will shape how they navigate life later. So, let’s teach them to appreciate—not just accept—differences. Because the world isn’t made for only one kind of mind, and neither should our schools, our communities, or our hearts.”

By Kelly Eyre, Quality and Pedagogy Lead, Dibber South Africa

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