How Music and Movement Support Learning in the Early Years

A toddler pauses when the music stops, then laughs as it begins again. Another child joins in with the actions to a familiar song before they can sing all the words. During a simple musical game, children have opportunities to listen, remember, communicate and move with purpose.

Music and movement in the Early Years bring these experiences together in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. Children can participate through a gesture, a sound or a whole-body movement, with adults adapting activities to their interests and stage of development.

At Alleyn Court, specialist music and PE begin in Nursery, giving children opportunities to explore sound, develop physical confidence and enjoy learning alongside others.

Learning to listen

Musical activities give children something specific to listen for and respond to. They might copy a drumbeat, notice a change from loud to quiet, or stop moving when a familiar sound disappears.

These simple games encourage children to pay attention, remember an instruction and decide what to do next. Repetition makes the activity familiar, allowing children to become more confident as they recognise the pattern.

Once a game is understood, an adult can introduce a small change. The beat might become slower, the actions might change, or a child might be invited to lead. Each variation builds on something children already know, giving them a manageable new challenge.

Developing language through songs and actions

Songs introduce repeated words within a meaningful context. Actions help children connect words with what they describe, while rhymes draw attention to the sounds within language.

A familiar pause can create space for a child to supply a missing word, make a gesture or anticipate what happens next. Children who are still developing spoken language can participate through movement, expression and sound.

The Education Endowment Foundation highlights nursery rhymes as one way to reinforce vocabulary and support early literacy within a balanced approach to learning.

The interaction around the song matters too. Explaining an unfamiliar word, noticing a child’s response and allowing time for them to join in can turn a familiar rhyme into a useful conversation.

Building coordination and physical confidence

Clapping, swaying, reaching and stepping involve different kinds of physical control. Children practise coordinating their movements, maintaining balance and responding to the space around them.

Copying a short sequence also involves memory. Choosing their own movements gives children a way to express an idea, whether they are moving like an animal, responding to a change in tempo or making up an action for others to follow.

Activities can be adapted so that children participate comfortably. One child might tap their knees while seated, while another explores standing movements. Adults can offer a clear invitation and respond to what each child can manage, allowing confidence to develop through participation.

Finding the confidence to join in

A familiar song can provide a reassuring introduction to a group activity. Children recognise how it begins and can predict some of what will happen.

Some will join in immediately. Others may prefer to watch before copying an action or choosing an instrument. Observing is part of becoming familiar with the experience, and children benefit from having time to participate at their own pace.

Sharing music also creates opportunities to cooperate. Children might pass an instrument, wait for a turn to lead or listen while somebody else makes a sound. With patient adult support, they begin to practise the social skills that help a group work together.

Simple ways to enjoy music at home

Families do not need specialist equipment or musical training to share these experiences. A few minutes with a favourite song can provide an enjoyable opportunity to connect.

You could:

• Sing an action song slowly enough for your child to anticipate and copy the movements.
• Take turns clapping a short pattern for the other person to repeat.
• Try a stop-and-start movement game with plenty of clear space.
• Explore words such as fast, slow, loud and quiet as you make different sounds.

Follow your child’s interest and repeat the activities they enjoy. They may want to invent a movement, change a word or return to the same song many times.

Keeping the experience relaxed gives children space to experiment without feeling that there is a performance to get right.

Music and movement at Alleyn Court

At Alleyn Court Nursery in Southend-on-Sea, specialist music and PE sit alongside purposeful play, creative activities and outdoor exploration.

Children encounter different ways of learning from the beginning of their school journey. As they grow, music continues through the wider creative arts curriculum, giving them opportunities to develop their interests and discover new ways to express themselves.

Families with babies and toddlers can also explore Hatch Move, Alleyn Court’s stay and play session featuring music, movement and dance.

To experience the Nursery approach for yourself, arrange a personal visit. For current Hatch Move sessions and availability, book through the Hatch booking form.