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Building Connections Through Music-Based Learning Centers

Music-Based Learning

By: Suzanne L. Burton, Ph. D.
University of Delaware

Imagine having a learning center in your classroom that fosters the artistic and creative side of children while at the same time helps children to build skills in other academic content areas. Imagine a center that uses music-based experiences as tools for building comprehension and content connections. While this type of learning center may be unique due to its musical nature, it is certain to appeal to children of all ages.

Since children learn best through interaction with their environment and through active participation, a learning center is an optimal way to structure and extend the learning of your students. Children are naturally drawn to music. Musical expression flows freely from children as they interact with their environment. Through music, children learn about themselves and their place in the world. Music is a part of their play and an innate part of their very being. Structuring a learning center with music at the foundation will not only build on the natural connection between children and music, but also lead to deep, meaningful learning experiences. A music-based learning center may be created to strengthen and build connections with content areas such as dramatic play, art, science, social studies, and language arts as well as encouraging musical expression and experimentation.

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