We all need more joy in our lives. Music and movement provide an excellent opportunity for shared joyful moments with early years children. 

Why Is Joy Important?  

Boogie Mites have been working with Ben Kingston-Hughes on some collaborative webinars, and we have co-written a song. Combining Ben’s passion for the importance of joyful moments in early years with his knowledge about the power of shared music-making to provide these moments of joy makes him a great partner for Boogie Mites. 

“….I then began to research music and singing. I had absolutely no idea just how intrinsically important music and singing are for children. To say my mind was blown was an understatement. The neurological, emotional and even health benefits of singing are phenomenal, and the fundamental importance of music for our whole species cannot be understated.” Ben Kingston-Hughes, Early Years Play Specialist, Trainer and Author. 

We really love Ben’s emphasis on the importance of joy, which has been forgotten in the EYFS curriculum. Ben points out that this simple three-letter word is not mentioned anywhere in the EYFS or Development Matters and seeks to highlight this as a significant omission. In his research and work experience as a play specialist, he can see the magic that happens in the moments of joyful play. Our experience at Boogie Mites confirms this, and Ben has helped us to see the importance of emphasising this aspect of regular music practice in early years, not just focusing on the benefits for language, physical, social, emotional, literacy, and maths development – which happen as a result of the magic that happens in the joyful moments of musical play. 

Why Is Music Joyful?  

We all recognise that music uplifts us, whether just listening, dancing, or singing along; this is why it is a prominent part of our celebrations and leisure time. The physiological explanation can be described by what we at Boogie Mites call the daily DOSE of music magic. Participation in music activities releases the neurotransmitters Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins into the brain. Dopamine is known as a happy chemical, Oxytocin is also related to positive feelings and bonding, Serotonin helps you relax and stay focused, and Endorphins excite and energise us. Hence the elation that can be experienced through music engagement. There is also the community cohesion aspect of group music-making; being part of an inclusive activity, synchronising voices and movement as we keep the beat together, has been seen to promote bonding and empathy. 

Is Joy in Decline? 

The current climate for families, including cost of living crisis stress, increased screen time for children, rising mental illness for adults, and rising poverty, is showing as an increase in anxiety in young children. This indicates that opportunities for sharing joyful time are in decline. We need to address this as a priority for early years settings and homes; we need to promote joy, and sharing music activities is an easy win for joyful moments. 

How Can We Introduce More Joy? 

Attunement play is where adults directly tune in with children. You need to find your inner child and interact, being silly and playful with them. Music time can provide a great opportunity for this, working together to sing, make music, follow actions, dance, keep the beat, self-expression, role play, let your inhibitions go!