Strengthen your child’s reading and writing skills with this early literacy tip: Singing!
Singing to and with your child throughout the day helps prepare them to begin reading by strengthening their listening skills and vocabulary. Not only do they hear new words through songs, children can hear smaller sounds and syllables when the language is slowed down in song form. Music can also help children remember things easier. Repeating the same songs can reinforce learning through repetition.
Incorporate these simple tips about singing throughout your day:
· Sing about simple tasks and routines. Don’t be shy to make up your own songs!
· Sing songs that rhyme or use new words. Have your child point out the words that rhyme.
· Sing while you read.
· Change the tempo of the songs you sing. Singing faster and slower will help your child hear words differently.
· Encourage dancing or singing songs that involve actions. This helps connect words with concepts while making the activity more fun for your child!
You can also practice singing with your child by checking out books from our audio picture book section here at the library! Many of these books include lyrics to songs to learn with your child or CDs that play music as you read!