Recently there has been an explosion of research and information about music and its valuable impact on young children. Musical environments, introduced very early in a child's life, have been linked to advanced mathematical and reading skills and naturally promote rhythm and coordination.

Best of all, music is fun! It stimulates the mind and makes you happy. It makes you want to spin, march and move your body. It also sets the mood for a group experience where creative ideas can be recognized and self-esteem can be built. Almost all children respond to music. A birthday bash centered around music, movement and organized physical activities is sure to be a hit with very young children! It is a great opportunity to use their physical energy while providing them with a learning experience. What’s better than having fun and learning too?

There are lots of ways to make a musical party fun. First make sure you have a nice assortment of songs offering different meters, tonalities and a variety of props & instruments to use. You can take a simple song such as London Bridge, and change the words to add favorite colors or foods of the children.

Get their whole body involved by using hula-hoops, dyna-bands, ropes & beanbags. Parachute & bubble time is a fun way to enjoy circle time together. Work on fine motor skills by using wood blocks, drums, glockenspiels and other percussive instruments.
Using a theme for your party such as Spy Kids, Bob the Builder or Dora the Explorer? Take the children on a Spy Hunt (just like going on a bear hunt) or sing a song while you look for Blues Clues. Both activities provide a rhythmical experience while getting the children involved in a game-like activity.

For children 4 and older, it might be fun to add a musical craft such as making a shaker out of beans. You will need a plastic bottle and glue (always make sure the cap is tightly glued on) or a jingle bell bracelet can be made of small bells strung onto yarn or a pipe cleaner.

Painting to Mozart, Bach or another composer is a creative way to express yourself and can be an easy (but sometimes messy) activity. Try painting fast and slow or long and short and use the music to help you create masterpiece.

For smaller children you could send a “make your own” goody bag including the ingredients needed for making an instrument. Other affordable goody bag ideas include kazoos, microphones, rhythm sticks or shakers.

When planning any children’s event remember a toddler has a very short attention span. Plan your activities to include limited sitting and lots of movement so they can run, jump, climb and use their physical energy.

If you would like to turn hosting a terrific party over to the experts, Gymboree Play & Music can create and host a special party for your child age 1 to 5.

Parties can be tailored to your desires and compliment your theme with favorite songs and activities. Activities are noncompetitive and everyone is a winner. The Gymboree space is clean, safe and colorful with fun, creative teachers who know just how to make your party perfect. The best part—they do ALL the work! All you bring is the kids and cake!