Songs and Sounds – Little Amber

Select either songs for language or songs for action.

These songs are designed to help children learn, understand and use language

The same tune is always associated with the same words
This consistency may aid the development of children’s receptive language (understanding what they hear)
And it means that the songs can be used to help children express themselves through words, by scaffolding their language (providing a framework for speech) or by substituting for it (the tune or even just the rhythm may be used instead of words)
Start with one or two of the ʻkey words and phrasesʼ
Introduce them in real life situations, and use them naturally to enhance your speech
After a while, encourage your child to use them too, for example, by modelling the interaction with another adult
Then try songs from the other groups
Make up songs yourself that have particular relevance to your child, and use them consistently

These songs are meant to support your childʼs wider development

Music can provide a framework for movement, both through rhythm, and through the ups and downs of the melody
Music has certain concepts associated with it, like ʻloudʼ and ʻquietʼ, and ʻfastʼ and ʻslowʼ, and the second group of songs uses these to promote learning
Music can help to structure learning about other things too, providing consistency and a sense of fun!
Music is, above all, a social activity, and the fourth set of songs is designed to build and strengthen relationships between adults and other children, by offering a secure and predictable space within which interactions can take place