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Singing is a fun way to bond, express love, and help children learn about language. When you sing, children learn different sounds in words. Songs also teach new words and show how rhythm and rhyming work. Your children love the sound of your voice from before they are born. Sing nursery rhymes, silly made up songs, or songs on the radio. Make singing a part of your everyday routines and watch your child’s language grow.

Singing with your Infant

Sing what you are doing. Use any tune, any time. "I'm washing out your cup. I'm washing out your cup. Heigh-ho the dairy-o, I'm washing out your cup!"
Sing your baby a lullaby in a quiet, soothing voice when you put her to bed.
Imitate his sounds back to him copying his pitch. “Ba-ba-ba-BAAAA” then wait for him to match your song back.
Sing your baby’s name drawing out the syllables. "Haay-lleee". Add rhyming words, “Haay-lleeee, Baay-llee, Daay-llee”.

Mom playing with baby laying on the ground

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Singing with your Toddler

Sing while bathing your child, "I'm washing, washing, washing your ears". Label different body parts like knees, elbows and shoulders.
Sing as you clean up to any tune. "We are, we are, we are picking up your cars! Put them in the bin!"
Put on a concert together! Sing your favorites using actions and facial expressions. Use instruments to shake or bang for extra sounds.
Follow your child's lead. If they want to repeat the same song over and over, do it!

Mini Master Class on Music from Unicef

Music in early childhood has a direct link to reading readiness

Singing with your Preschooler

Sing a silly word instead of what's expected in a song, "The itsy-bitsy giraffe went up the waterspout" Take turns being silly.
Use common actions or have your child make up actions when singing.
Focus on listening by having her clap or jump at just the right time.
Sing your request. Try “Bring me your wet boots” in a singing voice. You might be surprised by her response.
See if you and your child can make up new rhymes to fit an old tune. "Hickory, dickory cat, the mouse was wearing a hat!"
Play with rhythm and pace. Speed up a slow song, or slow down a fast one. Use actions, too.

Best Children’s Rhymes, Finger Plays & Action Songs for Preschool & Kindergarten

Singing with your School Age Child

Expose your child to different types of musical styles like classical, country, rock & roll, rap, jazz, and the blues. Share “the oldies”, or songs you liked when you were younger. If you like it, she will too.
Play with pitch! Sing songs in a high voice and then in a deep, low voice. Play with the song speed while doing this.
Help your child keep musical time to the beat by clapping or snapping.
Play music when you are doing chores. Sing out loud together.

Musical Benefits

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Singing with your Infant

Sing what you are doing. Use any tune, any time. "I'm washing out your cup. I'm washing out your cup. Heigh-ho the dairy-o, I'm washing out your cup!"

Sing your baby a lullaby in a quiet, soothing voice when you put her to bed.

Imitate his sounds back to him copying his pitch. “Ba-ba-ba-BAAAA” then wait for him to match your song back.

Sing your baby’s name drawing out the syllables. "Haay-lleee". Add rhyming words, “Haay-lleeee, Baay-llee, Daay-llee”.

Singing with your Toddler

Sing while bathing your child, "I'm washing, washing, washing your ears". Label different body parts like knees, elbows and shoulders.

Sing as you clean up to any tune. "We are, we are, we are picking up your cars! Put them in the bin!"

Put on a concert together! Sing your favorites using actions and facial expressions. Use instruments to shake or bang for extra sounds.

Follow your child's lead. If they want to repeat the same song over and over, do it!

Singing with your Preschooler

Sing a silly word instead of what's expected in a song, "The itsy-bitsy giraffe went up the waterspout" Take turns being silly.

Use common actions or have your child make up actions when singing.

Focus on listening by having her clap or jump at just the right time.

Sing your request. Try “Bring me your wet boots” in a singing voice. You might be surprised by her response.

See if you and your child can make up new rhymes to fit an old tune. "Hickory, dickory cat, the mouse was wearing a hat!"

Play with rhythm and pace. Speed up a slow song, or slow down a fast one. Use actions, too.

Singing with your School Age Child

Expose your child to different types of musical styles like classical, country, rock & roll, rap, jazz, and the blues. Share “the oldies”, or songs you liked when you were younger. If you like it, she will too.

Play with pitch! Sing songs in a high voice and then in a deep, low voice. Play with the song speed while doing this.

Help your child keep musical time to the beat by clapping or snapping.

Play music when you are doing chores. Sing out loud together.

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