Songs are a natural way to learn about language, as they help children develop listening skills and to recognize the rhythms and rhymes of spoken language. Singing helps children to:
Steps on how to include “Sing” in library programming:
This article explores the link between music activities for preschoolers and emerging skills in reading and writing. [Michigan State University Extension, 5/5/2013]
Great ideas to share with families on how to use music to learn at home. [NAEYC, 2019]
An in-depth look at how music gets a kid's developing brain ready to read and write. [Michigan Radio, 3/23/2016]
Explores how music impacts early literacy development, including auditory sequencing and speaking skills. [Kindermusik, 9/4/2014]
An in-depth look on the impact of using hip-hop in the classroom, with program examples that one can adapt for younger groups. [The Reading Teacher, 4/22/2019]
Play while reading text to help children make sense of the book. Children can use props such as puppets to talk about the characters in a storybook and retell the story or use other objects to think more deeply about informational text. If there are vocabulary words that are unfamiliar, acting them out through dramatic play helps them by using words they already know and put the new words into action.
Don’t be shy, sing along and act out the actions of this classic tune.
No need to sit-still as you read this sing-song book with young children – tap those feet along!
This bedtime story is a twist on the classic; be sure to make the car sounds and toot along with the children – a great one to remember for vehicle themed storytimes.
Classic tunes are given new words in this compilation of songs that will help young children understand their feelings and actions. Check out the section of tips for parents and caregivers at the end for specific learning benefits of singing and repetition.
Introduces animal sounds from around the pond, in a fun, familiar tuned sing-song.