Building Early Literacy Skills with Music
Music is all around us, but did you know that it can be a tool for little ones learning to read? Singing is an important early literacy practice that can help children learn to break down words into smaller parts. It also promotes noticing patterns and rhymes within songs. Singing and music can help encourage movement to develop motor skills. Lullabies at naptime can strengthen bonds and some songs are shared for years giving us a common history.
You don’t have to go out of your way to incorporate singing and music into your daily routine; it can easily be added to the things that you are already doing. Try playing music while in the car and encouraging children to sing along even if they do not know all the words. Make up rhymes for everyday activities such as teeth brushing and shoe tying. Turn empty coffee cans or pots and pans into drums for playtime. Take advantage of your free moments to make some noise!
Start with these suggestions from Hoopla:
- 100 Songs for A Roadtrip by The Countdown Kids
- DCONSTRUCTED by Various Artists
- Back In Blue by Imagination Movers
- The Best of the Laurie Berkner Band by The Laurie Berkner Band
- 150 Toddler Sing-A-Long Songs by The Countdown Kids
- Pete the Cat by Pete the Cat
- Hopes & Dreams: The Lullaby Project by Various Artists
- Bedtime Songs and Stories by Juice Music
For more information about music and early literacy, check out these resources:
Beyond Twinkle, Twinkle: Using Music with Infants and Toddlers
Making Music: Literacy Tips for Parents
