Sing a Song
Sing a Song
Just sing a song! When things get busy, it can become overwhelming. One thing that helps me get through with LB is singing songs to him. It can be very easy to forget to play and have fun with your child as a parent! We are often told about making sure we have positive interactions, but we actually should remember just to enjoy being close to our little ones.
What type of song should I sing?
Your child will be used to your voice, so any song in reality. There are helpful suggestions on YouTube and other platforms. If you attend a nursery or playgroup, they may have a set list your child has become familiar with. Likewise with school classes. For LB, we also have sessions with the incredible Spread a Smile. They’re an amazing charity and well worth checking out if you’re not familiar with them.
Set list of songs
I try for LB to have a good variety of songs. Some of his favourites have evolved into a broad set list:
- Wind the bobbin up
- Twinkle twinkle
- Dingle dangle scarecrow
- Sleeping bunnies
- 5 little ducks
- Skinamarink by the Wiggles
- Rainbow song
- Down in the jungle – elephant, crocodile, monkey
- 5 little monkeys
- Spider in the bath
- Incey wincey spider
- Row row row your boat – polar bear, lion, jellyfish (say hello from me), crocodile
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo
- Old McDonald – cow, dog, frog
- Tiny Tim
- 5 speckled frogs
- Hushaby mountain
- Wheels on the bus
- Silent Night
- You are my sunshine
- The Rattlin’ Bog by the Wiggles
- Victor Vito
Additional variety
There are additional sources such as Tonies (see separate article on music). Some of these have songs and music to give you child more variety of voices. One favourite for LB is the brilliant Laurie Berkner band from the USA. Their catchy tunes are quick to pick up and have prompted many a smile or giggle from LB!
Seasonal songs
Don’t forget to have some seasonal songs in your repertoire! It will help your child appreciate the different seasons, and there are plenty of Easter and Christmas favourites to choose from. LB loves hearing Christmas carols and they are fun to sing too.
Communication and songs
As your child develops, there are various advantages to singing. You can use it to build anticipation, and as part of intensive interaction. Additionally, you should consider using musical instruments. An example is using bells when singing Christmas songs.
Sources of Further Information
Listen
https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/curations/playlist-collection