When young children hear music, their natural inclination is to move their bodies in response to it. Research has shown that this movement, like the music itself, is an integral factor in the brain's and the body's healthy development. Music is an invaluable learning tool by itself, but its impact is vastly enhanced when it is joined with movement. Music and Movement in Early Learning explains what research has shown us about the importance of combining movement with music in early learning environments and shows experienced teachers using them effectively.

Viewers explore:

• How fetuses as young as five months respond to music by blinking or moving to the beat.

• How studies have shown that early movement experiences are essential to optimal brain development.

• How babies naturally want to clap along or move to the music they hear.

• How studies have shown that, when music and movement are used together, learning improves.

• How the body is the primary learning center, and music/movement games and exercises increase body capability.

• How keeping the beat is related to sensing the cadence of language.

• How song with movement helps children develop "inner speech" and, with it, impulse control.

• Why movement games and exercises don't have to be specialized activities reserved for the playground or gym. They can be used across the curriculum, with or without musical accompaniment.

• How, when children sing and dance together, they bond together and learn from each other.