Music Bugs offers 40 minute music sessions for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers at Mapperley, Bulwell, Burton Joyce and Eastwood. So if you would like to go along for a sing-song and lots of instrument bashing with your little one, they offer free taster sessions. Contact Gemma on 0844 5781044 or at gemma@musicbugs.co.uk for more information.

Babies are able to recognise sounds from the moment they are born and many professionals believe music can help development while the baby is still in the womb. Music is fundamental to help nurture a child’s key skills, such as physical, social and creative skills. Hand-eye coordination can quickly develop when a child reaches for a rattle or tambourine. Shaking the instruments provides an understanding of cause and effect, while also allowing a child the freedom to be creative. Children enjoy dancing to music and expressing themselves by singing or playing an instrument, theses activities encourage the development of gross and fine motor skills.

There is a huge variety of nursery rhymes and songs that children can enjoy and many have a counting element, which creates an early understanding of numeracy. As children grow and begin to recognise rhythms they will start to sing along helping improve their vocabulary and vocal speech development. Music groups encourage children to share and socialise with others, which are vital skills for when they enter school. They are also great for parents and carers, giving you some time to socialise and have fun with other parents and your little one.

Young children with Special Educational Needs can benefit from music, as it allows an alternative method of communicating and enjoying an activity which does not necessarily rely on specific skills which they may find difficult. Music allows any child to have freedom and enjoyment, while developing and exploring the world around them through play based activities.

Music Bugs North Nottinghamshire

tel: 0844 578 1044

website: www.musicbugs.co.uk/classes/northnotts.php

twitter: @MusicBugsNotts

facebook: www.facebook.com/musicbugsnorthnotts