Using Music and Songs to Enhance Speech and Language Skills
Speech Therapy
Katie Carr, CF-SLP
Music has long been recognized as a powerful tool for learning and development in children.
Beyond its ability to entertain, music can play a significant role in enhancing speech and
language skills. In this post, we’ll explore how incorporating music and songs into your child’s
daily routine can support their speech development, offering practical tips and resources for
parents and caregivers.
The Connection Between Music and Speech Development
Music and speech share common elements such as rhythm, melody, and tempo, which are
crucial for language development. Engaging with music can help children develop phonemic
awareness, improve vocabulary, and enhance memory and sequencing skills. Here’s how:
Benefits of Music for Speech Development
1. Phonemic Awareness
Songs often highlight individual sounds and syllables in a way that spoken language does not.
Nursery rhymes and simple songs emphasize rhyming and alliteration, making it easier for
children to hear and practice these sounds.
2. Vocabulary Building
Lyrics introduce children to a wide range of vocabulary. Repetition of songs reinforces word
learning and helps children understand context and meaning.
3. Memory and Sequencing
Music’s repetitive nature helps children remember sequences of sounds and words. This is
crucial for developing the ability to form sentences and follow conversations.
Types of Musical Activities
1. Singing Nursery Rhymes
Classic nursery rhymes like: “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” are
excellent for developing language skills. Their repetitive and predictable patterns make it easy
for children to join in and practice their speech.
2. Action Songs
Songs that incorporate movements, “If You’re Happy and You Know It” and “Head,
Shoulders, Knees, and Toes,” help reinforce words and concepts. The physical actions paired
with the words make it easier for children to understand and remember.
3. Call and Response Songs
Interactive songs like “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” encourage turn-taking and listening skills.
These songs prompt children to respond, fostering active engagement and verbal interaction.
Integrating Music into Daily Routines
1. Transition Songs
Using songs to signal transitions between activities (e.g., clean-up songs, mealtime songs) can
help children understand routines and follow instructions.
2. Customized Songs
Creating personalized songs that include the child’s name and familiar routines can make
learning more relatable and engaging. Singing about daily activities can reinforce vocabulary
and sequencing.
-Recommended Songs and Resources
Here are some specific songs and resources that are particularly effective for speech and
language development:
Nursery Rhymes: “Baa Baa Black Sheep” Row, Row, Row Your Boat”
Action Songs: “The Wheels on the Bus” “Ring Around the Rosie” “If You’re Happy and You
Know It”
Call and Response Songs: “Down by the Bay” “Who Took the Cookie?” “The Finger Family
Song”
Online Resources and Apps:
-Super Simple Songs: Offers a wide range of educational songs for children.
-Kindermusik: Provides music and movement classes and resources for young children.
-Musical Me in NYC: An app that features interactive music activities for children.