Did you know that incorporating music in speech therapy can enhance treatment for a variety of communication disorders and impairments? It’s been shown to help children AND adults! Peters, 2000)
Here are 3 simple songs to sing (and slightly modify) with your child to target communication skills at home in a fun and engaging way!
HEAD, SHOULDERS, KNEES, & TOES: This song is a fun way to TEACH! Sing the song and point to your own body parts, then sing it pointing to their body parts, and then eventually help them follow along independently! It’s also a fun way to focus on engagement and interaction as they will be full of giggles pointing to your body parts as well. You can modify the song by going faster, slower, and pausing before the body part target to allow your child time to be successful!
IF YOU’RE HAPPY & YOU KNOW IT: Such a fun song and so great for teaching actions and objects/body parts. You can start by singing in the traditional way (clap your hands, pat your belly, sit down) and gradually add more complex directions! You can add multiple ELEMENTS to a direction (if you’re happy and you know it stomp ONE foot) or add multiple STEPS (if you’re happy and you know it stomp your feet then hug mama).
HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Not only is the song a fun way to teach a special occasion routine/vocab but it’s also a great way to work on labeling! You can work on “who” questions by deciding who to sing happy birthday to. Bring out the family photo album and practice singing to family members! You can also grab a bucket of animals and pull one out right before you sing “happy birthday dear....” so your child can fill in the blank!
PRO TIP: Sit face to face either on the floor, with your child on your lap, or in a swing facing you. Pause right before the last word in a line (usually the rhyming word) so your child has an opportunity to fill it in. Use your facial expression purposefully and give them an “expectant look” so they know it’s their turn to sing!
What songs does your child like to sing with you?
Here are 3 simple songs to sing (and slightly modify) with your child to target communication skills at home in a fun and engaging way!
HEAD, SHOULDERS, KNEES, & TOES: This song is a fun way to TEACH! Sing the song and point to your own body parts, then sing it pointing to their body parts, and then eventually help them follow along independently! It’s also a fun way to focus on engagement and interaction as they will be full of giggles pointing to your body parts as well. You can modify the song by going faster, slower, and pausing before the body part target to allow your child time to be successful!
IF YOU’RE HAPPY & YOU KNOW IT: Such a fun song and so great for teaching actions and objects/body parts. You can start by singing in the traditional way (clap your hands, pat your belly, sit down) and gradually add more complex directions! You can add multiple ELEMENTS to a direction (if you’re happy and you know it stomp ONE foot) or add multiple STEPS (if you’re happy and you know it stomp your feet then hug mama).
HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Not only is the song a fun way to teach a special occasion routine/vocab but it’s also a great way to work on labeling! You can work on “who” questions by deciding who to sing happy birthday to. Bring out the family photo album and practice singing to family members! You can also grab a bucket of animals and pull one out right before you sing “happy birthday dear....” so your child can fill in the blank!
PRO TIP: Sit face to face either on the floor, with your child on your lap, or in a swing facing you. Pause right before the last word in a line (usually the rhyming word) so your child has an opportunity to fill it in. Use your facial expression purposefully and give them an “expectant look” so they know it’s their turn to sing!
What songs does your child like to sing with you?
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