Bigger Better
Brains
Maracas are more than just musical instruments. They are
also tools for neural synchronization, as Dr Anita Collins from Bigger Better Brains
explains in her poster. Neural synchronization is the process of
aligning brain waves with external stimuli, such as sounds or rhythms.
This can enhance cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and
creativity. But did you know maracas also have a long and diverse
history across different cultures and regions? According to OUPblog,
the term 'maraca' comes from the pre-Columbian Araucanian language, and
the instrument has been used in Latin America, the Caribbean, and South
America for centuries. Maracas can be made from various materials, such
as gourds, plastic, metal, or wood, and can produce different pitches
and sounds. We use maracas in Mini Maestros classes with all age
groups. They are easy for babies and young toddlers to hold and shake,
older toddlers can play them while doing simple dances, and 3-5 year
old children love using them to create soundscapes in songs and
activities about trains or rain. Maracas are not only fun to play, but
also beneficial for your brain. So grab a pair and shake it up!