Sing into Reading!
Using music and songs to teach phonological awareness
Nancy Stewart e-mail Nancy@Nancymusic.com

Before children can read, they need to be able to hear and manipulate the small sounds in words. This is known as “phonological awareness.” Think of it as playing with words. Using rhythm, rhyme, and repetition, songs naturally encourage development of phonological awareness. Notes in songs naturally break words into parts, or syllables. Traditional nursery rhymes are packed with the qualities that encourage phonological awareness, and offer silliness and fun vocabulary as well. Below are some examples of specific songs used in this presentation, how they contribute to children’s understanding of how language works, and ideas for ways you can use the songs at home.

Old MacDonald’s Farm: Children learn to manipulate sound as they make animal sounds.
Try putting stuffed animals in a pillowcase, and letting your child choose each animal and sound.
Cut out pictures of animals, laminate and back with magnetic tape (available at craft stores), and put on the refrigerator. Children can play with them as you work.

A Hunting We Will Go: Teaches and encourages rhyming in a fun, accessible way.
Check the book out of the library; there are several versions, and you may want to try them all!
Visit EnchantedLearning.com for free animal clipart so you can make your own version of the song. Print out the animal pictures, and ask your child to help you make up rhymes. You can make a list of all the rhyming words you can both think of. *EnchantedLearning.com is the best website for anything related to children and learning, so spend some time exploring the site.

Apple and an Ant: using alliteration, children become familiar with the sounds of letters.
This song is one of many songs you may listen to and download free at www.Nancymusic.com. Great for practicing letter sounds.

Down By the Bay: Using humor and imagination, children easily learn to rhyme.
This traditional song available in book form, and on recording by Raffi.
Place toy or stuffed animals in a box, and as you take each one out, have your child help you make up rhymes.

Egg Shaking Song - find this at www.Nancymusic.com. You’ll also find instructions on how to make egg shakers, as well as many other fun instruments and songs to use with them.
Encourages children to keep a steady rhythm as they sing and play, matching the “shakes” to the words.

More Ways to Foster Phonological Awareness Through Music and Songs:
Sing throughout your day, as you’re in the car, playing, or working.
Make up songs, or sing familiar songs like The Wheels on the Bus, using family members in the verses
Make up songs about the foods you prepare as you work. Emphasize and exaggerate the letter sounds.
Collect or make musical instruments, and use them to reinforce the syllables in words. The same can be done with clapping.

Visit www.Nancymusic.com for links to websites featuring more information and resources on phonological awareness.