They danced, hopped, skipped and got into the rhythm on Tuesday.

About 20 preschool children and their parents took part in a session of Music in Motion, a six-week musical program offered by Briggs Lawrence County Public Library.

Library assistant Carrie Lafon said this is the first time the library has offered the series, which began two weeks ago and takes place at the Ironton and South Point branches.

“We offer it one day a week,” she said. “And we’ve had a lot of positive feedback.”

She said South Point’s sessions have also drawn the same amount of children.

Lafon said the program is helpful to a child’s development.

“Music is really important because it has them use both sides of their brain,” she said. “This really helps with language development, and the rhythm stimulates the brain and long-term development.”

The session began with Lafon going around the circle and singing the welcome song, greeting each child, along with their mothers, fathers or grandparents.

From there, they were led in clapping, dancing and singing, then picked out musical instruments to play.

Lafon also had a parachute for the children to play with. She then had the parents hold it aloft, as the children went under it with squeals of delight.

Finally, she wrapped things up with a lullaby song, as the children danced with colored scarves.

Lafon said she also emphasizes the importance of the parents joining the children in the songs and dance, as it teaches them that both children and adults can enjoy the music.

“And it creates a bonding moment and it’s really great for both of them,” she said.