Music to my Ears: How Songs can Support Toddler Speech/Language Development

Think back to your education. Do you still remember any songs that teachers or parents used to teach you something (cue music “I’m just a bill…”)? Songs have an incredible way of sticking in your memory. The same goes for our children. Songs are also a way to play and engage with your child, and there is no better way to expand their language than when playing. So how can you do it? How do you use music to encourage speech/language development with your child? Here are some ideas!

Music to my Ears: How Songs can Support Toddler Speech/Language Development:

Sing the same songs repeatedly:

Although you probably already have your child’s favorite song stuck in your head, keep singing it with your child! Repetition is key. The more they sing the song, the more familiar the words will be to your child. You are providing the opportunity to learn language every single time you sing. So whether that’s singing the same song every night, or always singing the same nursery rhyme during the day, your child will begin to notice. 

Pause before a common word:

Once your child is familiar with a song, pause during singing right before a common word. For example “the horn on the bus goes _____” and look at your child excitedly. See if they fill in the word. If they don’t, don’t stress. Just fill in the word for them and keep trying.

Incorporate actions/gestures:

Gestures are a large part of language, and what better way to practice than in a song. Follow the common gestures in a song (such as the wheels on the bus) or make up your own (could you point to the sky during twinkle, twinkle little star? How about clapping after the itsy bitsy spider goes up the spout again?) Think of when to use a thumbs up, waving, or a high five.

Use props:

When singing “Old MacDonald” it’s the perfect time to bring out the barn animal toys. As you sing which animal the farmer had, hold it up. This helps provide a connection for your child between the word and the item. Have a toy boat? Why not pretend to float it down a river while singing “Row Row Row your boat”. The more context you can provide your child, the greater the learning. 

Conclusion

SInging is not only a fun activity to do with your child, music supports toddler speech/language development! Next time your child wants to sing their favorite song, think of a way you can help to expand their language. What songs are your child’s favorite right now?