You don't have to be a musician to play with musical instruments, including musical instruments found in the Sassafras store! Did you know that learning a musical instrument is more than just playing and making it sound good? It's beneficial for many reasons.

Music is great for:

• Brain power! Yes, music can make your child smarter.
• Memory skills! Learning a musical instrument early on will help with memory
• Social skills! Picking up a musical instrument is known to help a child come out of their shell so to speak. It's true, give it a try! How do I know? I am a musician on the side and teach piano and vocals to students. It's a wonderful thing.
• Building confidence! I've worked with many shy students in vocal training. It's amazing after learning a variety of skills what it can do for their confidence such as performing in a concert at the end of the school year.
• Teaching Patience! Taking turns with an instrument or even playing in a band or orchestra teaches you to wait your turn.

If your child isn't ready to learn the bigger instruments, start small with instruments such as bells, tambourines, etc. It's a great way to teach basic rhythm. Not sure where to get started? YouTube has a variety of great music and movement videos to choose from for early childhood or check out a great video here. "Sassafras and the Sharp Cookies Band!"

Check out some of the musical instruments carried in the store:

• Instrument set-Maracas, bells, tambourine
• Tom Tom Drum
• Recorder
• Bells
• Clacker
• Harmonica
• Xylophone
• Cymbal
• Kazoo
• Castanets

You can check them out here.