Did you know your kitchen is filled with musical instruments?

In addition to the joy it brings, music is also important to a child's growth by strengthening the ability to concentrate, increasing coordination through movement, and encouraging language development through exposure to new words and patterns.

Step-by-Step:

• Put on some great music with a steady beat, then start clapping your hands to the beat. Encourage your child to clap her hands to the music.
• If your baby needs help, put her hands together and show her how to clap. Say, "Good job! Terrific! Great clapping."
• Add pots, pans, plastic bowls, wooden spoons and more to the band. Sit on the floor with your child and bang spoons and hit pots together. Encourage your child to make her own music.
• Clap, chant or bang out a rhythm. See if your child can imitate you and repeat the rhythm. Give her a chance to create a pattern for you to learn and repeat.

Materials:
Music
Radio, tape or CD
Instruments (store bought or Mommy-made).