Children love music and recognize it very early in life. Mothers singing a lullaby to their newborn, babies banging on the pot in the kitchen, preschoolers singing their favorite nursery rhyme: music is an important part of a child's life. Music does many things, it can bring back a memory or a feeling, it can calm and relax and it teaches. Music also teaches children; Language, listening and communication skills to name some of the concepts that children learn through music. “Scientists are confirming what teachers have long suspected: Music not only touches people's souls, but also shapes growing minds. When children sing or play, they become better readers, thinkers, and students. The more we learn how the brain works, the more we recognize how crucial music is to children's learning." Elizabeth Lloyd Mayer, Ph.D., psychoanalyst at the University of California, Berkeley. When teachers plan their classroom activities they must include music. Music is a vital part of the learning process. “A music-rich experience for children, singing, listening and moving, is really bringing a very serious benefit to children as they progress into more formal learning,” says Mary Luehrisen, executive director of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation ). a non-profit association that promotes the benefits of making music. Children will achieve a lot through music and movement. When we give children the opportunity to move, they will become coordinated and gain self-control. Children need movement because they are unable to sit still for long periods of time. Movement activities are a wonderful way to get children moving in a fun way and encourage physical fitness. When who...... middle of paper ......and play music from that area and ask someone to come in to teach the children a dance or put on a show. The possibilities are endless. Children will learn to appreciate the differences of others. This also teaches children that it's okay to be different; we are not all the same in everything. Bottom line, music and movement aren't just fun, they're important. Children gain a lot from taking part in music and movement activities. With the use of movement activities, children gain self-confidence, language, motor development, self-control and much more. These skills are invaluable in life. When we have these activities for kids, we are setting them up for success. Whether you are a teacher or parent, it is in your child's best interest to have a music and movement program available to ensure the best learning opportunities.