Like Music to Their Ears
Want to help your kids hone their verbal skills? Encourage them to pick up an instrument.
In a recent study, researchers observed a correlation between verbal skills and music training. Children who had been taught to play an instrument had better verbal memory scores compared to their non-instrument-playing peers. Music training develops a brain region that also may support areas of the brain responsible for language.
Musicians have better development of their left temporal lobes compared to nonmusicians. This region of the brain facilitates cognitive processes that also contribute to verbal memory skills. Brain functions are not simply "left side" or "right side." Rather, they are part of a more interconnected system in which developing one region is likely to enhance the performance of other regions as well.
For preschool kids, start off with a percussion instrument, such as a tambourine or set of bells, and show them that they can play the instrument by banging, tapping, jingling, or flicking. Pass the instrument to your kids and have them try to make different sounds or keep the beat while they listen to a song.
For younger school-age kids, piano, violin, viola, or cello are recommended. At about age 10, most children are big enough to begin playing other instruments. School band and string programs also begin at about this age.
