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sessions. This includes a range of activities              ing improved cognitive skills, enhanced creativity, and increased self-confidence. It also pro-
                                                                designed to stimulate children’s curiosity, cre-           vides a platform for self-expression and can be a source of joy and relaxation.
                                                                ativity, and problem-solving skills. Among the             Music is the most effective way to develop the brain, and so the younger the child starts, the
        A Message from                                          many activities offered daily, they have added             more significant the effect may be.


        MRS. DYER                                               some new experiences.                                      Playing a Musical Instrument – A fantastic workout for the brain!
                                                                In Reception, they explored plants and herbs

        HEAD OF SCHOOL                                          while role-playing in the outdoor kitchen and              For many years, scientists and researchers have been interested in the effect of playing a musi-
                                                                mixing sand and water in the cement mixer                  cal instrument on the brain. Studies have shown that engaging in music can profoundly impact

                                                                while role-playing as builders. In the Nursery,            brain development, particularly in children.
                                                                the children have been exploring magnets and               One famous study by Anita Collins, a well-known researcher in music and the brain, found
                                                                have created a hairdressing salon. In Play-                that playing a musical instrument can change the brain’s structure. Collins discovered that
                                                                group, they have been using sound shakers                  when a person plays a musical instrument, multiple brain areas are activated and interconnect-

                                                                to listen to and try to match identical sounds.            ed, leading to improved cognitive function, memory, and emotional well-being. This study pro-
                                                                These activities are not only fun but also help            vides compelling evidence for the benefits of music education, and we encourage you to watch
                                                                children develop important skills and knowl-               the YouTube video for a more in-depth look at her research.
                                                                edge.                                                      Learning to play a musical instrument can have lasting effects on children’s brain development.

                                                                The children are having their final rehearsals             Research has shown that children who engage in music activities have better language and
                                                                for next week’s music concerts. They promise               reasoning skills, improved coordination, and enhanced emotional intelligence. Playing a musi-
                                                                to be a fantastic musical extravaganza, with               cal instrument requires the brain to coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously, increasing neural
                                                                stunning performances and a lively atmos-                  connectivity and overall brain health.

                                                                phere. The concerts will start at 10 a.m. sharp,           Furthermore, playing a musical instrument has been linked to improved academic perfor-
                                                                so please arrive a few minutes before then                 mance. Studies have shown that children who play a musical instrument tend to perform bet-
                                                                to ensure you are seated and ready for us to               ter in school, particularly in maths, science, and reading. This is because learning to play an
                                                                begin.                                                     instrument requires discipline, focus, and problem-solving skills, all of which are transferable

                                                                                                                           to academic pursuits. By supporting your child’s musical interests, you are also supporting their
      Dear Parents,                                             Coming Soon                                                academic success.
                                                                                                                           In addition to the cognitive benefits, playing a musical instrument can positively impact mental

      We have had another thrilling week. The Year 1            •  Music Concert: 20th-22nd May Monday,                    health. Music has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and playing an instru-
      children were absolutely delighted to delve into              May 20th, 10 a.m. - Years 1 and 2                      ment can be a form of therapy for individuals struggling with mental health issues.
      the mysteries of space. They came to school                   Tuesday, May 21st, 10 a.m. – Years 3 and 4             Overall, the impact of playing a musical instrument on the brain is profound and far-reaching.
      on Friday dressed as astronauts, aliens, and                  Wednesday, May 22nd, 10 a.m.– Years 5                  From enhanced cognitive function to improved emotional well-being, engaging in music activ-

      more, truly embracing the spirit of exploration.              and 6.                                                 ities can shape brain development at any age. So, whether your child is just starting their musi-
      Their excitement was palpable as they launched            •  French DELF exam: A1.1 Tuesday, May 28                  cal journey or you’re considering picking up a new hobby, remember, the benefits of music are
      their own rockets, a testament to their curiosity         •  Mid Term break: Monday 27th May-Friday                  not just for today, but for a lifetime.
      and eagerness to learn.                                       May 31                                                 Please watch this YouTube video to learn more.

      In their PE lessons, children have been devel-            •  French DELF exam: A1 Tuesday, June 25                   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBQdH1e7204
      oping skills such as hand-eye coordination,
      speed and agility, and teamwork through play-             Music is a big part of life at Abuja Prep; from            Have a wonderful week, everyone.
      ing team games. The children are having a lot             Pre-playgroup, we give children daily oppor-

      of fun playing games such as dodgeball and                tunities to sing and have weekly music lessons             Kind Regards
      handball.                                                 where they begin to learn about tone and
      In the Early Years, over the last few weeks, the          rhythm. Music education has been shown to                  Dominique Dyer.
      teachers have been working on developing en-              have numerous benefits for children, includ-

      hanced provision for the continuous provision


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