5 Early Literacy Practices: SING

I’ll be the first to admit that my singing voice is less than stellar.  In fact, it’s downright bad, but that doesn’t stop me from singing in every storytime I offer.  Singing to young children helps them learn so much about language, which is a point I try and make in storytime.
Singing breaks down the language into smaller sounds allowing babies and young children to better understand how their language works.  Singing also stresses certain sounds using rhythm and rhyme making singing a great way to begin teaching your child language and later reading.
So where do you get started?  Lullabies, simple children’s songs, Mother Goose rhymes and finger plays (think 5 Little Monkeys Jumping On the Bed) are great places to get started.  If you’re feeling creative try singing the ABCs using a different tune (I can get a few letters in and then always revert to the original tune!) or create your own songs for your kids about what you’re doing.
Teaching kids rhythm early is also teaching them about syllables, sounds, intonation and more so when you see a toddler banging on pots and pans, throw on some music and make it a fun lesson together!  Clapping, marching, jumping and other gross motor skills also practice these skills when used with music which makes music so important to have in the house.  And if you can’t listen to Elmo or Mickey Mouse for one more second – throw on some music you enjoy and have an impromptu dance party in the living room.