Learning the Difference Between Speaking and Singing

Musical Parenting Tip for Toddlers:  Play Speaking and Singing Games with Your Child

Why?

• Singing to young children supports early language development.
• Young children often can’t distinguish between their speaking and singing voices.  Children should be encouraged from a young age to explore the upper range of their voice, and to use their voice for singing, as much as possible.
• Activities that allow your child to listen to , and practice rhythmic speech are a bridge to singing. 

How?

• Do the Little Fish – Big Fish fingerplay, together.  Remember to make your ‘little fish’ voice sound different than your ‘big fish’ voice, and remember to sing a little, when each fish ‘sings a song.’
• Try the Ten Little Ponies fingerplay.         
• Sing along with I Looked Out My Window.

Want to Learn More?

On our blog:  read about the connection between singing & language development.

Also, read 5 Common Misconceptions about Music.