World Music Day is coming up on June 21, remind everyone to celebrate the joy, connection and fun that music brings to our lives.

For children, it’s so much more than a soundtrack. Music is one of the very first languages children understand, long before they can string words together. From a soothing lullaby to clap along delights, and of course a favourite song played a hundred times in a day! 

Bonkers Beat is built on music and wellbeing practices for life, so naturally this is one of our favourite days of the year! Whether you’re a parent at home or an educator in the room, here are some simple, practical ways to make the most of it.

The Many Gifts of Music

Music isn’t just enjoyable – it’s powerful too. 

When children sing, move and play instruments, they’re building skills across nearly every area of development at once. Rhythm and rhyme lay the groundwork for language and early literacy. Action songs strengthen coordination and motor skills. Group music-making teaches turn-taking, listening and patience. And perhaps most importantly, music gives children a safe, joyful way to express big feelings and settle themselves when emotions run high.

The best part? You don’t need to be musical yourself to give children these gifts. You just need to be willing to join in.

Easy Ways to Enjoy Music 

You don’t need fancy instruments or a perfect singing voice… Don’t worry – children are the least judgmental audience you’ll ever have! 

A few ideas to try:

Make a kitchen band: Wooden spoons, saucepans, a container of dried rice… your home is already full of instruments waiting to be discovered. Let your child lead and follow their rhythm.

Have a dance party: Pop on a favourite song and move together. Dancing helps children release energy, develop body awareness and, quite simply, feel good.

Sing through the everyday: Turn pack-up time, bath time or the drive to care into a song. Familiar tunes make transitions smoother and routines feel calmer.

Listen to something new: Play music from a different country or culture and talk about how it sounds. It’s a beautiful, no-fuss way to open up little minds to the wider world.

Bringing It Into Services Every Day

For educators, World Music Day is a lovely prompt to bring intention to the music already woven through your days ongoing. Some practical starting points:

Build a sound exploration station: Set out shakers, bells, drums and everyday objects and let children investigate loud and soft, fast and slow. Open-ended musical play encourages curiosity and creativity.

Use music to support routines: A consistent tidy-up song or a gentle melody at rest time gives children predictable cues and helps the room feel settled.

Move to the music: Combine songs with stretching, marching or yoga-style poses. Pairing movement with music supports self-regulation and gives wriggly bodies a healthy outlet.

Invite families to share: Ask families to suggest a song that’s meaningful in their home or culture. It’s a simple way to honour each child’s identity and bring a sense of belonging into the room.

At Bonkers Beat, music and meditation aren’t reserved for special occasions… They’re part of every single day. 

We’ve seen, time and again, what a difference these daily practices make: calmer children, more connected educators, and families who notice the ripple effect at home. World Music Day is a wonderful reminder of something we believe all year round – that a little music goes a very long way.

So on 21 June, sing a little louder, dance a little sillier, and let the children show you just how much joy a song can hold!

Want to bring more music and wellbeing into your home or service? Learn more about our programs and explore the Bonkers Beat Shop for resources that make every day a little more joyful.