Simple Steps: Singing

Songs are natural ways to learn about a language. Singing develops listening skills, slows down language so children can hear the smaller sounds in words, and helps children learn new words and information. You can help your child develop this practice by:

For Babies

• Sing songs and dance in rhythm to music with your baby.
• Clap along to rhythms.
• Play rhyming word games such as “peek-a-boo” and “pat-a-cake.”
• Sing using bounces, tickles and fingerplays.

For Toddlers

• Sing songs and dance in rhythm to music with your child.
• Clap along to rhythms.
• Sing songs using different voices (high, low, deep, squeaky, etc.).
• Use movements related to sounds. For example, ask your child to “jump” each time he/she hears a word that starts with the “cah” sound: cat, cake, cookie, etc.
• Read Mother Goose rhymes.
• Sing together using fingerplays, rhymes, tickles, and movement songs.

For Preschoolers

• Sing songs and dance in rhythm to music with your child.
• Clap along to rhythms.
• Sing songs using different voices (high, low, deep, squeaky, etc.).
• Use movements related to sounds. For example, ask your child to “jump” each time he/she hears a word that starts with the “cah” sound: cat, cake, cookie, etc.
• Read Mother Goose rhymes.
• Say tongue twisters together.
• Continue to use fingerplays, rhymes and movement songs.
• Read books that can be sung; sing together.