MUSIC AS A PEDAGOGICAL TOOL IN THE INTEGRAL DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Abstract

This article discusses the importance of music as a pedagogical tool for the integral development of children in Early Childhood Education. The study aimed to investigate music as a didactic resource for child development and to understand how teachers incorporate it into their daily pedagogical practices. The methodology was based on bibliographic research, through the analysis of books, articles, and documents addressing musical education and playfulness in childhood, as well as the observation of teaching practices in the school context. The results indicate that music is present in Early Childhood Education activities and is used both to support the teaching of didactic content such as the alphabet and numbers and to promote playful, expressive, and social moments. Children’s songs are applied as instruments that foster attention, engagement, and motivation during activities. Furthermore, it was observed that musical language significantly contributes to cognitive, linguistic, motor, social, and emotional development, in addition to making the school environment more welcoming, creative, and enjoyable. It is concluded that music, when intentionally and pedagogically integrated, goes beyond its recreational role and becomes essential to the holistic formation of the child.