Picture shows a group of children with their parents singing and clapping. The text reads "using songs to support early language" Includes a free download.

Using Songs to Support Early Language- Includes a freebie

I previously shared this post over on my Instagram page all about how I use the song Frère Jacques during play and daily routines to support early language skills.  I love using songs to support early language skills, and Frère Jacques is perfect because it has a simple, recognisable tune.

As a result of the lovely response that I got to this post, I decided to share a few more examples of lyrics for you.  I created a freebie that has 8 songs to support early language, all sung to the tune of Frère Jacques.  You can grab the freebie by filling in the form at the end of this blog post.

Why Use Songs for Early Language?

Using songs in your sessions is an easy way to embed early language strategies. Strategies such as emphasising, repetition, and linguistic mapping are all reinforced with the nature of the songs.  Singing them regularly and in the same situations means that they become verbal routines too, which supports language skills.
There are other language strategies you can use alongside them as well, such as:
Pausing- after you have sung the song a few times, pause before the “good bits” to see if the child fills in the gap.  For example, in the ‘Wash Your Hands’ song, pause before the final “wash” in the line “wash, wash, [pause] wash… wash your hands”.

Be Animated- while singing, be sure to use exaggerated actions and voices to support the child’s attention and engagement.

Gestures/Simple Sign- these songs can all be used with simple actions and gestures (examples are given in the freebie, remember to sign up for it using the sign-up form at the end of this post). Gestures/signing supports the child’s understanding of words, and they may begin using signs/gestures before they begin using words.

 

Using Songs During Play

Many of the songs I sing are to the tune of Frère Jacques. The lyrics may vary, depending on the activity and child’s ability. The songs repeat the target words and are often accompanied by actions, which makes them ideal for early language learners.

Here’s an example of the song I sing each and every time we build a tower.  This works whether you’re using blocks, LEGO or stacking cups!

Using Songs During Daily Routines

Another great way to target language skills is during daily routines. By their very nature, they happen multiple times a day, every day; so they are a great way to target early language.

Here’s an example of a song you can sing every time you wash hands.

Want more songs and rhymes?

If you’re looking for more ideas and songs to sing in your early intervention sessions, be sure to check out the seasonal Songs and Rhymes classes by Wee Talkers x Talking Littles. 

Image outlining the songs and rhymes online classes from Wee Talkers x Little Talkers- text reads: perfect for parents and therapists, ideasl for children aged 18 months- 5 years, learn new seasonal songs and rhymes.

I was kindly gifted this course by Wee Talkers x Talking Littles, with no obligation to share. But I wanted to shared it with you because it is adorable and perfect for EISLPs and parents alike! The classes include a range of seasonal songs, plus read-alouds, and additional printables. The songs are great for you littles ones (the course says children aged 18 months- 5 years) and are delightfully interactive; so they’re perfect for a range of skills too.  If you’re interested in learning more about these Songs and Rhymes classes, click here (not an affiliate link).

I hope this post has given you some ideas for how you can use songs to support early language skills. Remember, you can grab the freebie by filling in the form at the end of this post!

I’d love to know if you use these songs in your sessions, be sure to tag me in your posts on Instagram so I can see them!

If you’re wanting other ideas and resources to help you target early language skills during play and daily routines, be sure to check out my TpT store.

Sign up here to get your free songs and rhymes handout: