The module was developed by I-LABS researcher
T. Christina Zhao, who worked closely with the I-LABS Outreach team as a
Hearst Fellow. The Hearst Fellowship Program brings the scientific expertise of I-LABS researchers together with the translation and dissemination skills of the outreach team. Through the partnership, I-LABS researchers learn to translate their scientific knowledge into easy-to-understand materials that can be used by non-expert audiences, and the early learning community gains access to leading-edge research.
In the Early Music Experience Module, Zhao discusses her
recent research indicating that play sessions with music improve 9-month-old babies' brain processing of both music and new speech sounds. The module also covers how young infants begin to learn about music in their culture, what neural networks are active during music learning, and how learning music is linked to executive functioning skills.
“We are thrilled to add this module to our library,” said
Sarah Lytle, Director of Outreach and Education. “We receive many questions about children’s early music experience, and it is our hope that this module will serve as a resource to anyone who is interested in learning more about music and the brain.”
This new resource will be the 15
th training module in the I-LABS library of
free, online modules on child development topics. Each 20- to 25-minute module is designed to equip parents, early learning professionals and other caregivers with practical ways to use the latest science in their interactions with children. Discussion guides accompany each module to support the use of these resources in professional development settings.
