1. Read A Story with Classical Music as its Soundtrack
When you read a story to your child, pick out a classical music piece that matches the emotion and actions of the book. Picking out the music should be pretty simple, but just for reference, playing Verdi’s “Dies Irae” to a story about a happy boy playing catch with his dad isn’t a very good idea. Practice reading the story out loud with the classical music to get a rough idea of the timing. After getting used reading in time with the music, tell your child you have a special surprise for them. Read them the story the “new” way, and they will surely be delighted!
Tip: Remember to always play the same piece of classical music for each story; that way it becomes imbedded in your child’s sense memory. For example, if you read Watty Piper’s The Little Engine That Could to Haydn’s Symphony No. 94, always play Haydn’s Symphony No. 94 when you read the story again. When they grow up, every time they hear that song they will automatically remember the good times they shared with you when you read to them.
2. Interpretive Dancing to Classical Music
If your kids are always on the move, try introducing them to classical music by interpretive dancing. This can be great for getting your child to focus on the music. Instruct your child to listen to the music and dance however the music makes him/her feel. Parents dance with them! Not only is it fun, but it’s physically and emotionally stimulating. This exercise sends the message to the child that classical music can be fun, and not boring to listen to.
Tip: Mix up the music. Try to pick out contrasting pieces of music and see how your children react. Make sure you tell your children what the piece is and who wrote it. You never know what things your children will remember down the road.
3. Classical Music During Playtime
Before your kids begin playtime, make a list of classical music pieces with the names of the composers. Have your children pick a song before playtime. Tell them a little fact about the composer they picked to listen to during playtime. Before long, your children will develop their own classical music preference and have a basic knowledge of the composers.
Tip: Make sure to get a broad range of music to listen to - several pieces from each period should suffice. (Unsure of what the periods are? Read Intro to Classical Music for the answers!)
