Did you know that singing with children helps them build vocabulary? According to our research, singing with children has many benefits! Check them out.
Math
Singing with children builds mathematical and spatial skills. Children who have taken music classes score higher on math tests. Music enhances brain development in areas tied to pattern recognition, counting, organization, time, and division of larger notes into smaller notes (i.e. fractions).
Vocabulary
Music also builds Vocabulary. Music introduces children to the sounds and meanings of a wide range of words and helps strengthen memory skills.
Literacy skills
And don’t forget Literacy building with music. Alphabet and number songs help children remember letter and number sequences.
Educated Guesses
Another bonus, as children sing, they learn about rhymes. Rhymes can help them learn to predict things… “if this line ends with star, the next line must be the one that ends with are.”
Emotional intelligence
And let’s not forget the ever important Emotional Intelligence and Social Skills. In the book Brain Rules for Babies, John Medina says that one of the most powerful things about music is that when a child learns to recognize different musical tones, they also learn to recognize different emotional tones, and can tell more about how the people around them are feeling. Even young babies who were exposed to music classes had improved communication. They were more likely to point to objects, wave goodbye, smile, and show less distress.
Familiarity & Routine
Singing to your children also helps with routines and transitions. Familiar songs create a sense of comfort for a child. No matter where you are, you always have access to this same familiar tune. Many parents and teachers learn the value of songs for reinforcing routines (“this is the song we always sing at bedtime”) and signaling that it’s time to transition from one activity to the next (the cleanup song!).
Are you ready to brush up on save of your favorites childhood songs so you get to singing with your little one?!?
Here is a fantastic list of songs and lyrics for you to check out!
https://kids.niehs.nih.gov/games/songs/childrens/index.htm