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Why singing is important
Songs are a wonderful way to learn about language. Singing also slows down language so children can hear the different sounds that make up words.
How to encourage singing
Help your child be ready to read with these simple activities every day.
- Sing the alphabet song to learn about letters.
- Sing nursery rhymes so children hear different sounds in different words.
- Clap along to the rhythms in songs so children hear the syllables in words.
Looking for more ways to encourage singing?
- Check out children's music CDs at the library. Try our recommendations for Kids Music that Won't Drive You Crazy.
- Sing a lullaby to your child.
Books
Encourage singing with these books.
Babies
- Sing to Your Baby by Cathy Fink
- You Are My Sunshine by Jimmie Davis
- Old MacDonald Had a Farm by Jane Cabrera
- The More We Get Together by Caroline Church
- My First Songs by Tomie DePaola
Toddlers
- Babies on the Bus by Karen Katz
- Five Little Ducks by Raffi
- The Seals on the Bus by Lenny Hort
- And the Cow Jumped Over the Moon!: Over 650 Activities to Teach Toddlers Using Familiar Rhymes and Songs by Pam Schiller
- Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow
Preschool
- If You're a Monster and You Know It by Rebecca Emberley
- Take Me Out to the Ballgame by Jack Norworth
- Croaky Pokey by Ethan Long
- Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush by Jane Cabrera
- Over in the Meadow by Jill McDonald