Music Activities for Children from Birth to Three Years to Enhance Brain Development in Language and Communication in Thailand

Abstract

From birth to three years of a child serves as a foundation for later developments in life. Among those, language development is a central skill to learning, communication, critical thinking, and even maintaining good mental health. Numerous research studies demonstrate growing evidence that there is a close relationship between music and language functions in the human brain, and that the neural and psychological processes of music and language are overlapped. Moreover, there is also evidence that language ability can benefit from learning music and vice versa. Children who participate in music lessons or music activities since a young age retain words and expressions much more effectively, more actively participate in conversations and are better equipped to acquire a second language. This study aims to analyze the relationship between music and language in the aspect of the brain, psychological, and cognitive development in children from birth to three years old, as well as the influence of music as a tool for improving such development. This research was conducted by documentary analysis and review, including interview of an experts separated into three groups which are, doctors, neuroscientists and music educators in Thailand who worked in the fields of music that coherently with the brain. The research results found that, a model for planning music lessons and music activity to enhance development from birth to three years old child was developed for music teachers and educators.