Why singing is important for early literacy development

Familiarity and repetition strengthen learning. In my series of Bingo Books, I have taken the familiar Bingo tune and created fun songs with other five letter words. Why? Because singing songs and listening to music are wonderful ways for children to develop early literacy skills. In song, each syllable of a word can be more easily heard. Hearing the rhythms and rhymes of language helps prepare your child to read and boosts memory and comprehension! Yes, rhymes are easier to remember. If you want to teach a young child an address or phone number, make it into a sing-songy rhyme! Singing is incredibly important though many adults are reluctant to sing to their child... I'm here to tell you that it is worth it and your kids really don't care if you can sing in tune or not! Here are some reasons you should dust off your vocal cords for your child:

• Phonological Awareness: Singing helps children develop phonological awareness, which is the understanding that words are made up of smaller sounds, or phonemes. When children sing, they break words into syllables, and they become attuned to the sounds in words. This awareness is crucial for learning to read because it helps children understand the connections between spoken and written language.

• Vocabulary Development: Songs often contain words that children may not encounter frequently in everyday conversation. Singing exposes children to a richer vocabulary, increasing their word knowledge.

• Rhythm and Rhyme: Many songs have rhythmic patterns and rhyme, which are essential for phonemic awareness. Children learn about the structure of words and the relationships between sounds, for example, that "cat" rhymes with "hat."

• Memory and Repetition: Songs often have repetitive elements. This repetition helps children remember words and phrases, reinforcing their language development.

• Social and Emotional Development: Singing can be a social activity, whether it's with parents, caregivers, or peers. This fosters social interactions, bonding, and emotional development. Songs can also convey emotions and help children understand and express their feelings.

• Fluency and Comprehension: Singing promotes fluency in language. Children learn the natural cadence of sentences, how to group words together, and the proper intonation for questions, statements, and exclamations. All of these elements contribute to better comprehension when they start reading.

• Mnemonic Device: Songs often serve as memory aids. Think about the alphabet song, for example. These memory devices help children remember information, which is a critical aspect of learning to read.

• Motivation and Engagement: Children often enjoy singing, and enjoyment is a powerful motivator for learning. When learning is fun, children are more likely to be engaged, which, in turn, aids in the learning process.

• Cultural Awareness: Many songs are tied to cultural traditions and stories. Singing exposes children to cultural diversity, broadening their horizons and teaching them about different cultures.

• Literacy Skills Transfer: The skills acquired through singing, such as recognizing sounds and rhythms, can transfer to reading. Children who have strong singing skills often have a head start in developing strong literacy skills.

Singing is a playful, enjoyable way to promote early literacy skills in children. It helps with phonological awareness, vocabulary development, rhythm and rhyme, memory, and social and emotional development. All of these aspects are essential for building a strong foundation for reading and writing as children progress in their literacy journey. Sing with your kids! And if you're still hesitant, check out my books which help to make reading time more musical!