Star in your own musical and narrate your day

Have you ever noticed your little person singing to themselves as they go about their day? Singing is not just good fun, but is also growing in importance as a way to boost children’s language skills as words are easier to learn when sung and repeated.

Don’t worry if you’re not the best singer, if you’re spending time with your child singing, they’ll think you’re a superstar. If you’re feeling a little shy or need to brush up on your nursery rhymes, try listening to some on the First 5 Forever voice assistant. You’ll soon be an expert!

Narrate your day

As you go about the day try singing action songs and finger rhymes with your child. Doing the actions together as you sing the words helps your child understand what the words mean.

Make up your own songs and melodies or change the words to familiar tunes to match the activities you're doing together. For example, you might sing as you get your little one ready for the day: "this is the way we put on our shoes, put on our shoes, put on our shoes, early in the morning.”

Singing is also a great idea for transition times during the day, such as when they go for their nap, wake up, or get ready for bed. And of course, singing a soothing song at bedtime is a wonderful way to help your little one relax after their busy day.

Books that combine singing and reading

Try sharing a book by combining singing and reading. This unusual delivery style will often help a child stay engaged longer. There are lots of books that can be shared like this. Here are some you can try:

The wheels on the bus go round and round, Annie Kubler (Illustrator)

Each peach, pear, plum, Janet & Allan Ahlberg

Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy, Lynley Dodd

Ten in the bed, Penny Dale

Five little monkeys jumping on the bed, Eileen Christelow (Illustrator)