5 Ways Music Can Teach Emotional Intelligence
- Ashley Reid
- Dec 2, 2024
- 3 min read
Music is an incredible tool for teaching Social Emotional Learning (SEL) to children, helping them recognize and regulate their feelings, connect with others, and build resilience. Through engaging melodies, meaningful lyrics, and fun rhythms, music can open the door to social and emotional growth in ways that resonate with kids of all ages.
Below are five ways music helps foster Emotional Intelligence (EI), along with practical tips and resources for parents and educators.
1. Music Helps Identify and Label Emotions
Songs give children the words to describe their emotions. By listening to songs about joy, anger, or sadness, kids learn to recognize these feelings in themselves and others, a fundamental step in SEL.
Example: A song like WiseOcean’s “Have Patience” introduce feelings in relatable ways.
Tip: Follow the "Ocean of Emotions: SEL Songs for Kids" playlist on Spotify and Youtube
Resources:
Explore WiseOcean’s Season 1
2. Teaching Empathy Through Stories in Music
Storytelling songs help children understand and relate to the feelings of others, fostering empathy. For example, a song about helping a friend teaches kids to think beyond themselves and consider someone else’s perspective.
Example: WiseOcean’s songs featuring sharing and helping scenarios encourage kids to practice kindness.
Tip: After listening, ask children questions like, “How do you think the character in the song feels?” or “What could we do to help?”
Resources:
3. Rhythm and Movement Build Self-Regulation
Moving to music develops focus, self-control, and emotional regulation. Fast songs get kids energized, while slower tunes can help calm and center them.
Example: Start the day with an upbeat song like WiseOcean’s “My Favorite Day” and end it with "Time to Relax".
Tip: Use music to transition between activities. For example, a “clean-up” song can help ease the shift from playtime to tidying up.
Resources:
GoNoodle: Songs and movement activities for kids.
4. Group Singing Enhances Social Connection
Singing in groups builds a sense of community, teaching kids collaboration and teamwork. It also strengthens bonds between parents and children when singing becomes a shared activity.
Example: A classroom sing-along with WiseOcean’s SEL songs fosters cooperation and shared learning.
Tip: Host a family sing-along night or group music session. Bonus: It’s a memory-making activity!
Resources:
Sing Up: A platform with resources for group singing.
5. Encouraging Creative Emotional Expression Through Music
Music provides a safe outlet for children to express their feelings, even when they can’t find the words. Writing a song, playing an instrument, or dancing to music encourages self-expression and emotional release.
Example: Ask your child to write a short song about their favorite part of the day. Even silly songs can help kids process emotions creatively.
Tip: Keep simple instruments like tambourines or shakers handy, and encourage kids to use them to make “emotion music.”
Final Thoughts
Music is more than entertainment—it’s a gateway to emotional growth and understanding. By incorporating music into your child’s life, you’re nurturing skills that will help them succeed emotionally, socially, and academically.
🎵 Let’s sing, grow, and feel together with WiseOcean! Explore our SEL songs, activities, and resources to start your journey today and learn to be happy!
For More Resources:
The Science Behind Music and Emotional Learning.
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