The surprising secret to building brains: it starts with a song!

We all know that young children, especially toddlers, love to make a noise. Whether it’s banging pots, humming tunes or clapping hands. 

But did you know that all that musical play is actually helping to shape their brains? Music education in the younger years isn’t just fun, it’s incredibly powerful for developing auditory processing and listening skills.

Sponge brains

At this stage of development, toddlers are soaking up sound like little sponges. Their brains are learning how to pick out patterns, differentiate tones, and follow rhythms. These are all the things that are crucial for listening, understanding language, and eventually reading. 

When they participate in music activities like singing songs, tapping along to a beat, or moving to rhythms, they’re strengthening neural pathways that support focus, memory, and sound discrimination.

From clapping a rhythm to learning to read

For example, clapping to a steady beat or echoing a simple melody helps toddlers learn how to listen closely, anticipate what comes next, and stay engaged. These are the very same skills they’ll need in the classroom later on when they’re learning to follow directions, concentrate, and communicate.

Plus, music offers a joyful, gentle way to learn and practice these skills. There’s no test, no “wrong” answer — just fun and connection. 

Beaters in the air!

Our small group music classes also build social skills. We encourage our little RHYMERS to connect with others, take turns, and respond to social cues through sound, which is another win for early listening development.

Music supports brain development

In short, giving your young child regular access to music is one of the simplest (and most fun!) ways to support their brain development. 

So grab a shaker, turn up your favourite music, and have fun together — you’re not just making memories, you’re building lifelong skills.

Enjoy some of our unique Wriggle and Rhyme musical stories – more info HERE.

Available to stream on your favourite music streaming platform.

Musical resources

  • Wriggle and Rhyme has a range of musical stories which you can access on your favourite streaming service (Apple music, Spotify, iTunes, etc.).
  • We also have fun, musical episodes on our YOUTUBE channel “Wriggle & Rhyme SA”.
  • Our baby and toddler music classes are available in Cape Town –CLAREMONT, MELKBOSSTRAND, MEADOWRIDGE and CRAWFORD.
  • Our pre-school music classes take place at partner pre-schools across the South Peninsula, Southern Suburbs and Hout Bay.

Find us at www.wriggleandrhyme.co.za or on Facebook and Instagram @wrigglerhyme 

Wriggle and Rhyme
Latest posts by Wriggle and Rhyme (see all)
Post Views: 33,483
Scroll to Top