Nothing is more humbling than signing in front of people. Any one who actually wants to hear me sing must really love me. Our children don’t seem to have the same biases towards poor signing as most of us do.
But did you know that singing has benefits beyond hearing trying to make the little ones smile, laugh, go to sleep or stop crying. The Canadian Paediatric Society highlights in their Read, Speak, Sing program the benefits of singing (in addition to speaking to and reading to infants) as a way to enhance early literacy.
Start early. Babies may not be able to show a response right away, but sitting face to face and singing to them or doing silly rhymes is a great way to bond. I will never forget my son (and now my daughter) sitting on my lap while I told stories, read books and sang songs. Finally, at around three months old, my son giggled and laughed during ‘Baby Bumblebee’. This was a full on laugh, over and above the cooey giggles we’d heard before. I really connected with him through that song and will never forget it. We still sing it to this day.
We also sing at bedtime as part of our wind-down routine. A few current favourites include ‘Wheels on the Bus’ and ‘When Cows get up in the morning’ ‘Patty-cake’ and of course ‘Baby Bumblebee’.
Go ahead and sing away. So you’re a little off key and feel goofy sometimes, that’s what’s great about being a parent. We’re allowed! No formality wanted here – just sing and you and your children will benefit from it.
For a great link about the benefits of singing and some ideas of what to do with infants and children to encourage early literacy, check out the CPS Read, Speak, Sing website (the chart is very handy).
For programs that encourage reading and singing, check out your local library. Postcards from the Mothership had a great post about the Ottawa Public Library this week. The baby and toddler programs they offer are fantastic! My son loved them – but beware, sign up early because then tend to fill up fast.
