Every notice how some kids just sing through life? The coolest thing is that singing is actually good for kids, and adults! (Which you can tell to anyone who doesn't appreciate your unique shower melodies.)
So what are the benefits of singing?
Singing Develops Language Skills
Singing Helps You Learn
Both my kids learned our telephone number by singing it to the tune of "Row Row Row Your Boat." And I finally learned my multiplication tables in the 5th grade after my desperate mom found musical multiplication songs.
Singing Makes You Happy
Oh, yeah! You're smiling right now just thinking about singing, aren't you?
Singing Makes You a Better Reader
So, all I'm saying, er, singing, is that maybe we all should . . .
Sing Every Day!
Here are a few ideas for singing fun . . .
- Buy musical instruments like drums and rattles. Sing along to your own music.
- Sing along to music in the car. (Which you probably already do, right?)
- Give Barney another chance? (Is that asking too much?)
- Sing songs with movements like "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" or "The Hokey Pokey" or "Where is Thumbkin."
- Begin and end the day with favorite songs. Make the songs a special ritual.
- Give your child directions by singing them to the "abc" tune. "Now it's time to go to bath, . . . "
- Get a microphone and let your child's inner rock star emerge.
More on the benefits of music on child development.
Listen to preschool songs on the Reading Is Fundamental website.
What is your child's favorite song to sing?
