BBC HomeExplore the BBC
Just to let you know, we're no longer updating this site. More information here


Accessibility help
Text only
BBC Homepage
Parents Music Room - Motivate Your Child With Music

  Music Homepage  
 
 
  Making Tracks
  Parents' Music Room Homepage
 
Your Child  
  Learning an Instrument
  Features
  Careers Guide
  Music Essentials
  Resources and Links
  How to use this Site
  Site Credits
Contact Us

Like this page?
Send it to a friend!
 
Your Child
  INTRO   PRE-SCHOOL   INFANTS   PRIMARY   SECONDARY
      PRE BIRTH -
18 MONTHS		   18 MONTHS -
3 YEARS		 Go to Features Intro Page 3 - 5
YEARS		   5 - 7
YEARS		   7 - 11
YEARS		   11 - 14
YEARS		   14 - 16
YEARS		   16 +
 
Sing a Song Together

Children love to sing and from the age of three many can reproduce a simple tune. Through singing they learn to be expressive using their own 'instrument', and singing with others is an enjoyable social activity. It is also a great foundation for reading and for learning the basic elements of language, such as vocabulary and rhyme. You can play a key part in your child's discovery of music and singing by singing with them at home. You don't have to be a great singer - all you need are some ideas and plenty of enthusiasm!

You can find a lot of children's songs on the web. Here are a few examples:

Tweenies Song Time

Michael Finnegan
Baa Baa Black Sheep
Pop Goes the Weasel
Please note that by following these links you will be leaving the BBC Parents' Music Room.
 Top Tips
  • Use our Kindergarten Karaoke to sing simple songs with your child
  • Children love action songs, for example Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes, where they have to point at the part of the body that they are referring to in the song
  • Take your lead from your child as to the pitch of the song. The golden rule is 'no strain'. If they appear to be straining their voices to get the notes, stop and try again a little lower or a little higher. Continue with this process until they appear to be comfortable.
  • Remember that singing is developmental - they won't sing like Lesley Garrett straight away!
  • Singing can be a good way to help your child if you are trying to teach them a second language
  • It is always nice to keep a recording of your child as they progress with their singing and talking, you can just use a simple tape recorder
  
 
Parents' Music Room Links:
Kindergarten Karaoke | Starting Them Young Feature | Child Development Chart | Your Child Action Songs | Your Child Musical Games
TOP OF THE PAGETOP OF THE PAGE
 
Every child is unique and develops at his or her own pace. The information in BBC Parents' Music Room is for information and guidance only and should not be treated as a substitute for medical, legal or other professional advice.
OTHER FEATURES
Introduction
Going to Hear Live Music
Sing a Song Together
Let's Face the Music and Dance
Introducing Instruments & Sound
 
  Parents' Music Room Links
Kindergarten Karaoke
Starting Them Young Feature
Child Development Chart
Your Child Action Songs
Your Child Musical Games
 
bbc.co.uk Links
Parenting Homepage
Music Online
Tweenies
Grown Ups Music Development
 
  Elsewhere on the web
The Teacher's Guide Children's Songs Page
KIDiddles website
Muppet Songs
Mama Lisa's World: Children's Songs and Nursery Rhymes of All Nations
  The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites
 
Printable version


About the BBC | Help | Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookies Policy