Singing is know for its health and social benefits but is often overlooked within the education system as simply a fun, nice thing for children to do. However, singing, particularly the singing of traditional folk and nursery rhymes, has many, many hidden benefits for children. Studies have shown children who are involved in musical activities are better at Reading, Literacy and Numeracy. Singing is not only the fastest way to internalise music but it is something everyone can participate in singing regardless of their disability, ethnic origin or economic background. It also has a positive effect on boosting confidence and self-esteem. There are many benefits to learning through unaccompanied singing. Singing songs helps promote language building, phonemic awareness, structure, rhyming and creativity. Particularly with children, using traditional songs and rhymes provide a rich bank of child-appropriate language, supports speaking skills through structured slowed down language, has rhythm and pattern structure, intonation and phrasing like in speech. Singing also helps listening skills, memory and retention. Children who notice similarities and differences in sound (pitch awareness) have been found to have a greater phonemic awareness and enhanced spatial awareness skills. When I first heard the rhyme below I hated it, I thought it was silly and didn't really believe children would like it, however I have been proved very wrong! Not only do the children love this rhyme it has plenty of content to help literacy. Rat a tat tat Who is that? Only a poor little pussy cat. What do you want? A pint of milk. Where's your money? In my pocket. Where's your pocket? I forgot it! Oh you silly pussy cat! 1. Rhyming words: rat, tat, cat, that, pocket, forgot it - these help children understand words that share common sounds this can help with spelling out - the same is true of Cobbler Cobbler below. 2. Structure: This is a question and answer rhyme clearly showing question then answer - you can intonate your voice to a higher pitch for the questions as we do in speech and converstation. You can use this rhyme to encourage the children to say the answers to your questions or vice versa. A cat puppet is a must though! 3. Expression: The phrasing and structure allows for voice expression helping children understand the art of conversation and emotions. This rhyme is also telling a story which is very important for children to learn - sequence of events etc. So, this isn't singing as such but rhymes play a great role in speech and language development. The following song is one of my favourites for teaching pulse and pitch however again this has lots of language content, rhyming words, rhythm pattern and also tells a story and concepts of before and after. Children can also understand what a Cobbler is - someone who mends shoes - so the song provides not only new words but a relevant context.
Cobbler, Cobbler mend my shoe, Get it done by half past two, Half past two is much too late, Get it done by half past eight.
Singing traditional songs and rhymes engages children who may not normally join in other school activities. Sometime ago a teaching assistant approached me for advice regarding teaching music to children. I ran a workshop and she took away some ideas she could use in class. She mentioned a boy who struggled to concentrate with any school work (Year 1) and he was thought to have some autistic tendencies. She later mentioned how different he had been during the singing session and how he had joined in particularly loving the puppets.
The Kodály approach uses traditional folk songs and rhymes in the culture’s own mother-tongue. Singing these songs and rhymes from an early start prepares a child’s ear, voice and brain for language. Through logical, small steps children learn musical elements pulse, pitch and rhythm; they are able to identify faster/slower and louder/quieter as well as being able to distinguish between a ‘singing’ and a ‘speaking’ voice, all vital kills for reading. Physical movement and actions which accompany songs and rhymes also promote balance, co-ordination and spatial awareness. Performance, leadership and group work also promote more confident learners. Want to learn more? Visit: http://www.britishkodalyacademy.org/ Want your child to become a better more confident learner? Visit: www.cossinsmusicschool.co.uk/early-years-classes
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