February is a time for love, kindness, and connection — and at Sorella Early Learning, it’s also a wonderful opportunity to explore music and rhythm with children. Music is so much more than fun background noise; it plays a powerful role in supporting children’s learning, development, and wellbeing.
Why Music Matters in Early Learning
Through songs, movement, and rhythm, children develop skills that support the whole child:
- Cognitive development: Music strengthens memory, attention, language development, and pattern recognition, supporting EYLF Outcome 4 as children learn to think, explore, and problem-solve.
- Physical development:
- Fine motor skills grow through clapping, finger plays, and playing instruments.
- Gross motor skills are supported through dancing, marching, and action songs.
- Language development: Songs introduce new vocabulary, action words, and rhythm in language, building confidence in communication.
- Social and emotional growth: Music helps children express feelings, practise cooperation, build relationships, and experience joy together.
Valentine-Themed Songs to Try at Home
You may hear these songs being sung around the centre — they’re favourites for a reason!
“I Have a Red Heart” (Tune: Frère Jacques)
I have a red heart, a red heart, a red heart
I have a red heart that I will give to you
“I’m a Little Valentine” (Tune: I’m a Little Teapot)
I’m a little Valentine, red and white
With ribbons and lace, I’m a beautiful sight
I can say “I love you” on Valentine’s Day
Just put me in an envelope and give me away
We also enjoy counting songs like “Five Pretty Valentines”, which blend music with early maths concepts.
Learning Rhythm Through Play
Children explore rhythm in playful, hands-on ways, including:
- Heartbeat activities: Feeling their heartbeat and tapping “thump-thump” rhythms
- Body percussion: Clapping, stomping, patting knees, and echoing simple patterns
- Instruments: Using shakers, drums, bells, rhythm sticks, and tambourines
- Movement games: Freeze dance, pass-the-heart games, and moving to music together
We also love creating DIY instruments, such as shakers made from recycled materials — a fun idea to try at home too.
Special Valentine Music Experiences
Throughout February, children may take part in:
- Creating Valentine cards while listening to different styles of music
- Friendship rhythm circles using heart-shaped drums
- Valentine parades with decorated tambourines
- Heartbeat echo activities, exploring how our hearts beat faster when we move
These experiences support creativity, confidence, and connection.
A Music-Rich Environment
At Sorella, music is woven throughout the day — during transitions, play, learning experiences, and quiet moments. We create spaces where children can explore instruments, move freely, listen to music, and express themselves in ways that feel right for them.
Music is also wonderfully inclusive. Activities are adapted to support different abilities, sensory needs, and learning styles, ensuring every child can participate and feel successful.
Learning That Lasts a Lifetime
Music supports all five EYLF Learning Outcomes — from building confidence and emotional regulation to expressing ideas and strengthening relationships. Most importantly, it brings joy.
This February, we invite families to sing along, clap together, and enjoy the magic of music — both at Sorella and at home.
Sources
Queensland Resources:
- Queensland Government – Early Childhood Education and Care
https://earlychildhood.qld.gov.au/ - ACECQA – Early Years Learning Framework
https://www.acecqa.gov.au/nqf/national-law-regulations/approved-learning-frameworks - EYLF V2.0 (2022)
https://www.acecqa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-01/EYLF-2022-V2.0.pdf - Queensland Conservatorium – Early Childhood Music
https://www.griffith.edu.au/arts-education-law/queensland-conservatorium/opportunities/open-conservatorium/early-childhood-music - QPAC – Creative Learning
https://www.qpac.com.au/engage/schools - Early Childhood Australia – Music and Inclusion
https://thespoke.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/music-and-inclusion/