The textbook definition of social-emotional development “…includes the child’s experience, expression, and management of emotions and the ability to establish positive and rewarding relationships with others (Cohen and others 2005).  At its heart, social development for children is about connections and understanding and expressing emotions.

In the very early years, it’s about connecting and bonding with the primary caregivers, then it moves into awareness of peers and appropriate interactions with one another, then greater interaction through playing and talking together, until finally social development blossoms into an ability to make friends and fully enjoy the benefits of socialization.

Here are 5 Big Benefits of Kindermusik and Social Development.

Benefits for Babies

Kindermusik gives BABIES a chance to observe, interact with, and learn from other little ones in various stages of development while also forming stronger bonds with their loving adults.  Even as your young child is ready to explore their world, they can still be a bit tentative and hesitant around people they don’t know. This is the beauty of our small-sized Kindermusik classes, where you are attending class with your child and with mostly the same group of people week after week.  With loving consistency and modeling, your child will soon feel safe enough to enjoy and interact with others.

Benefits for Toddlers

TODDLERS usually begin to branch out a bit socially, and their Kindermusik classes give them plenty of practice with vital social skills like sharing, taking turns, and engaging with others.  Toddlers most often engage in parallel play, where they play alongside each other, but not necessarily with each other. In the weekly parent-child Kindermusik classes, this budding awareness and empathy is gently nurtured and lovingly modeled, even as the bonds between caregiver and child are increased.

Benefits for Preschoolers

Kindermusik classes help PRESCHOOLERS learn to be more empathetic, kind, and patient with others.  Their play and socialization generally has moved into the stage of cooperative play, where imagination and pretend play become the unifying starting point of sweet little friendships.  They begin to have simple conversations with each other, learning the give-and-take of conversation and thereby taking a next big step in social development as they work on becoming more others focused.

Benefits for Older Children

OLDER CHILDREN learn the value of working together, being a part of a group, respect for each other, and making friends.  Most older children are now in the preoperational stage of play, meaning that they are beginning to develop socially outside of the family unit.  Kindermusik fosters this social development through music ensemble activities and fun games.

Benefits for Adults

And of course, we can’t forget about our GROWN UPS who bring these precious children to class.  Our adults benefit tremendously from the support, camaraderie, and friendships that blossom as part of being in Kindermusik as well, not to mention how good it feels to have a safe, loving, nurturing environment in which to watch their child’s social skills develop and unfold.

There’s nothing quite like the gift of friendship and the joys of socializing, no matter what the stage or age!  And no activity promotes social development better than early childhood music and movement classes like Kindermusik.  Nothing feels better than experiencing how Kindermusik puts a smile on every face and a song in every heart.

Shared by Theresa Case, owner of Piano Central Studios.

For more music, ideas, and fun, and to find a class near you, visit Kindermusik.com.