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Sing

Sing!

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:

  • Slow down language so children can hear different parts of words and notice how they might be alike, or different.
  • Different notes for different syllables break down words so they can hear individual sounds in words.
  • Clapping along to rhythms helps children hear the syllables in words and helps them improve motor skills.

Activities and Printables

Steps on how to include “Sing” in library programming:

  • Open and/or close your storytimes with a consistent song so children can get to know the words and learn the rhythm.
  • Using a drum or tambourine, tap out the syllables of a child’s name.
  • Offer live children’s concerts with local musicians.
  • Create a music and movement program for toddlers or offer a “sock hop.”

Additional Links

Book Recommendations

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.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

Cabrera, Jane

Don’t be shy, sing along and act out the actions of this classic tune.

Dancing Feet

Dancing Feet!

Craig, Lindsey

No need to sit-still as you read this sing-song book with young children – tap those feet along!

Twinkle Twinkle Little Car

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Car

Dopirak, Kate

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.

Gentle Hands

Gentle Hands and Other Sing-Along Songs for Social-Emotional Learning

Ricketts, Amadee

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.

Little White Duck

Little White Duck

Zaritzky, Bernard 

Introduces animal sounds from around the pond, in a fun, familiar tuned sing-song.