Learning Through Music and Movement
Learning through Music & Movement in Early Childhood
From babies bouncing to a beat to kindergarteners inventing dance routines, music and movement are powerful engines for learning. They light up multiple areas of the brain at once, weaving together language, motor skills, memory, social connection and emotional wellbeing—exactly the kind of holistic development we champion in early childhood education.
Why it matters in Australian ECEC
Australia’s updated approved learning frameworks (EYLF V2.0 and MTOP V2.0) guide educators to design rich, play-based experiences that grow confident, involved learners and effective communicators—music and movement align beautifully with these outcomes across identity, wellbeing, learning and communication.
What the research shows
School readiness & broader learning: An Australian case study and related evidence syntheses link early, active music-making with language, self-regulation, prosocial skills and overall school attainment, strengthening the case for music as an essential element of ECE programs.
Family engagement & relationships: Structured, strengths-based music programs such as Sing&Grow (delivered by qualified music therapists) build positive parent–child interactions while supporting children’s development.
Movement-rich play: National parenting resource Raising Children Network highlights music play as a practical way to boost toddlers’ physical development and creative exploration.
Benefits at a glance
Language & early literacy: songs, rhyme and rhythm tune phonological awareness; action songs pair words with meaning (EYLF Outcome 5).
Numeracy & patterning: steady beat, counting games and call-and-response teach pattern, sequence and quantity.
Self-regulation & wellbeing: predictable musical structures help children co-regulate, transition and express feelings.
Physical literacy: dancing, action songs and instrument play build balance, coordination and core strength.
Identity, culture & belonging: sharing family songs and First Nations musical stories nurtures identity and community.
What this looks like in our program
Daily musical rituals: morning welcome songs, tidy-up beats and calm-down playlists to support smooth transitions.
Movement provocations: scarves, ribbons, hoops and “freeze dance” to explore fast/slow, high/low, loud/soft (tempo, level, dynamics).
Child-led ensembles: open sound stations with found materials (pots, bottle-top shakers, rhythm sticks) for composing and pattern play.
Partnerships: Engagement with evidence-based programs like Little Groovers Dance and Kids Pop classes.
Inclusion: multi-sensory options (clapping, tapping, rocking) and visual cues so every child can participate meaningfully.
Try this at home
Make a kitchen band: pots, wooden spoons and a simple “copy my beat” game.
Build a calm routine: the same lullaby and gentle rocking before rest.
Start a family songbook: include songs from home languages and cultures.
Reference list
Australian Government Department of Education. (2024, February 5). Updated learning frameworks now in force (EYLF V2.0; MTOP V2.0).
Barrett, M., Flynn, L. M., & Welch, G. F. (2018). Music value and participation: An Australian case study of music provision and support in early childhood education. Research Studies in Music Education.
Early Childhood Australia. (2022, February 7). Why introduce music to babies and toddlers? The Spoke.
Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCAA). (2024). Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline (QKLG) 2024.
Queensland Department of Education. (2023, August 28). The many benefits of music. Early Childhood Education and Care.
Raising Children Network. (n.d.). Movement and play: Toddlers; Creative activities for toddler learning and development. (Accessed 2025).
Sing&Grow Australia; Australian Institute of Family Studies. (n.d.). Sing&Grow program profile. (Accessed 2025).
ACECQA. (2021). Connecting with practice—Vignette: Discovering—Making music (EYLF & NQS supporting resource).