Last week the children of Restavec Freedom Alliance were introduced to the art of music. We brought harmonicas, a bongo drum, claves and a guitar.
Creating music is a fun and important aspect for child development. Researchers have found direct correlations between music making and some of the deepest workings of the human brain. A few of these correlations deal with language development, self-esteem, and listening skills.
As the children become familiar with their instruments it’s our hope that they will begin to create their own songs with an original rhythm and melody. Building connections to the sounds heard and the words being sung is great for developing literacy skills – especially for the younger children. Music is also great because it develops and improves self-esteem. Since music is nonjudgmental it is a powerful way to encourage creativity to create self-confidence and curiosity which lead to an increase in self-esteem. Another reason why music is important to child development deals with the improvement of listening skills. Music encourages the ability to listen and thus to concentrate. Through music, children can learn to hear tempos, dynamics, and melodies. Listening for loud and soft, up and won, fast and slow encourages auditory development.
The kids had an absolute blast blowing into their harmonicas while moving them left and right over their lips. Many also had an opportunity to try out the bongo. RFA staff member Kerby received the guitar. He has always wanted to have a guitar and we hope that he will teach the kids about the basics of music. Perhaps they will create a Restavec Freedom Alliance song. Our goal is to bring some more instruments on our next trip and to again devote some time to play music.
[nggallery id=10]
