Singing is one of the earliest ways children express themselves. From lullabies to nursery rhymes, music helps children develop language, memory, emotional regulation, and social skills. According to Empowered Parents, singing boosts vocabulary, listening, and motor coordination, which are all essential for kindergarten readiness.
Singing can be a form of self-soothing, a way to process emotions, and even a sign of emerging language skills. Children who sing often are exploring rhythm, pitch, and tone which help strengthen their spoken language skills.
Many parents worry when their child sings but doesn’t speak in full sentences. This behavior can be misinterpreted as a delay, but it often reflects a different stage of development. Children may be using songs to communicate, practice sounds, or engage in self-directed play. In some cases, singing may be linked to Gestalt Language Processing, where children learn language in chunks rather than individual words.
Understanding the purpose behind singing helps parents respond with empathy and support rather than concern. It’s important to observe whether the child is using songs to connect, express, or regulate emotions.
At Collaborative for Children, we embed music into our play and STEAM-based curriculum across our Centers of Excellence. Singing is used to teach math concepts, build vocabulary, and support emotional resilience. Our certified early childhood educators use songs to:
– Reinforce routines and transitions
– Teach counting, colors, and shapes
– Encourage group participation and cooperation
– Support neurodivergent learners with sensory-friendly activities
“Music is a universal language for children. It helps them feel safe, seen, and ready to learn,” says Dr. Melanie Johnson, President and CEO of Collaborative for Children.
Parents play a vital role in supporting musical development. Collaborative for Children offers workshops and digital resources to help families turn everyday moments into learning opportunities. Here are a few tips:
– Sing during daily routines like bath time or bedtime
– Use songs to teach counting, days of the week, or emotions
– Encourage movement with action songs and fingerplays
– Celebrate your child’s singing, even if it’s repetitive or off-key
Singing at home reinforces what children learn in the classroom and strengthens the parent-child bond.
Children may sing as a way to explore language or regulate emotions. It’s often a normal part of development and can be supported through play and interaction.
Singing boosts vocabulary, memory, emotional regulation, and social skills. It also supports brain development and language acquisition.
Yes. Singing during routines and playtime helps children learn concepts, build confidence, and connect with caregivers.
