Four Benefits of Singing With Young Children
Regardless of the quality of your singing voice, there are many benefits of singing with children. The tunes you sing can have a big impact on children’ development too. Studies have shown that singing can help with language development, memory and emotional regulation. The activity of singing also improves breathing rhythm and posture. Singing is a great way for children to explore their creativity and have fun. It’s also a great way to form bonds with children on the part of teachers. In this blog post we explore the four primary benefits of singing with children: language development, socialisation, emotional regulation and cognitive skill development.
Language Development
A singing ability is often taking for granted, however, in reality, singing has been shown to deliver many benefits in terms of language development. Singing helps vocal cords used to speak to develop. Singing also contributes to a children’s ability to recognise rhythm and pitch by singing along with a melody. It also helps children to develop their pronunciation and fluency. All of these lessons are important tools that teach children to speak effectively. Singing improves memory by teaching children to learn new words, their meaning and how to use them in context. Repetition also helps children to remember new words and information.
Socialisation
Singing is often undertaken as a group. This can help children who engage with singing to develop better social skills than their counterparts who do not. Singing and playing music together requires cooperation and teamwork. By participating in group singing activities, children can learn to value the contribution of others and work together towards achieving a goal. Research into singing and socialisation demonstrates that singing can support a child’s sense of social inclusion, bolstered by improvements to self-esteem. Group singing delivers children a sense of belonging by including them in something bigger than themself.
Emotional Regulation
Singing involves the use of the whole body for self-expression. This can help children to better understand and control their emotions. When children sing in a group it releases endorphins (feel-good hormones). Learning to regulate the release of these hormones is what stimulates emotional development in children when they practice singing. The release of endorphins also facilitates better learning and engagement.
Cognitive Skill Development
Through singing, children are able to learn many new concepts, such as: counting or sequencing. The repetitive nature of singing helps to reinforce the lessons they learn as described above. One large Australian study looked at the impact of music in the home on cognitive development. The researchers found that informal music making had a greater impact on cognitive development—such as improved numeracy and attention–compared to reading together.
Contact Robyn Taylor
At Robyn Taylor Early Childhood Centre, we incorporate a range of strategies to help children learn lessons through singing. If you would like to learn more about the Robyn Taylor Teaching Method, book a tour of our education centre or enrol your child, please use our contact page to reach out to us or call on 02 9705 8309.