In all of our classes we sing and move to lullabies. Rocking songs and lullabies constitute our musical expressions of deep human attachment. Adults and children experience the soothing combination of the tonal environment plus movement while passing on our common musical heritage. Do not worry about your singing competence – this is a time to just connect with your child, through the power of song.
Stroking your child slowly and firmly with one or both hands is an important alternative movement to add to rocking songs and lullabies. Touch is the prime psycho-physical communication which heightens body awareness and communicates feeling.
Additionally, rocking stimulates the vestibular (balance) system located deep in the inner ear. When the head and body move, the fluid in the inner ear records body position and movement in space. Rocking is the motion which makes the connection between a feeling body, a listening ear, and a thinking mind.
The soothing music and movement helps your child learn how to calm him/herself. I am always amazed in class when even the most active toddlers or preschoolers will stop what they’re doing and rock with mommy or daddy when we sing our lullabies. They are learning to calm themselves through music and movement.
What a powerful gift to give them!
Some of my favorites: All the Pretty Little Horses, You Are My Sunshine, Bim Bam
