By Involving Your Children in Music (NAPSA)—To keep kids learning when school is out, get them involved with music. Studies indicate students lose at least one month worth of classroom instruction over the summer. This means, on average, children’s achievement test scores are set back a month when they return to school in the fall, in comparison to their scores in the spring. Children can keep their learning skills honed through music education. Research has proven that kids who study music do better in school. Specifically, these studies show that music education helps children increase both their math and science skills. On average, students with music experience scored 41 points higher on the math portion of the SAT (The College Board, 2001). In addition, according to a report from Nature Magazine, learning to play a musical instrument also enhances the brain’s ability to retain and improvelanguageskills. Here are a few suggestions for ways to involve your children with music: Enroll in a music education program: According to Children Today, music activities widen a child’s world and allow a child to go into something in-depth and gain self-confidence. Check with parks or schools to find out about music programs. Look into the PM Rocks! Summer Tour 2004: This year, Precious Moments, one of the most popular collectibles in the world, will conduct a nationwide tour that encourages girls to see themselves in the musical spot- light. They will experience what goes on backstage, then take to the stage with their friendsto lipsyne their favorite tunes. Visit www.pmrocks.com to see where the tour will stop. Provide musical enrichment activities: Enroll your children in a summer music camp. Music camps are designed to enhance creativity and individuality within children. Contact the state Music Education Association for a list of music programs. Attend concerts and recitals: According to the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA), parents can promote better attitudes and motivation for music education by attending non-school concerts and recitals. Exposure to these types of musical venues will help children understand and develop an appreciation for music. Many places hold concerts in the park, some even focus on children. Taking your children to one of these performances can expand their knowledge of music and perhaps spark an interest in performing.
