Celebrating Reading Month: Singing Books to Engage Learning
As a mom and a music therapist, one of my greatest joys is inspiring children through the magic of music.
Today, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit my girls’ elementary school and share the joy of reading (singing) books with their classmates.
In each classroom, we dove into the world of singable books, including:
- “I Like the Me I See” by Culture Queen
- “Space Song Rocket Ride” by Sunny Scribens (Barefoot Books)
- “The Jazz Fly” by Matthew Gollub.
- These books and more can be found within our Book Worms and Ear Worms singable book recommendations
What struck me the most was how eagerly the children embraced the musical elements of these stories. They jumped in to sing along with the repetitive phrases, confidently echoed parts, and maintained exceptional attention throughout our time together.
Seeing the excitement not only on my own children’s faces but also on the faces of their teachers and friends was truly heartwarming. It’s moments like these that remind me of the profound impact music can have on young minds.
However, beyond the sheer enjoyment of singing books, there’s a deeper perspective to consider.
Reading plays a vital role in a child’s development, fostering language skills, imagination, and empathy. When we pair music with books, we’re not just adding a fun element; we’re engaging both sides of the brain.
Speech and language processing typically occur in different hemispheres of the brain, and when children sing along with a book, they’re activating both areas simultaneously. This dual engagement enhances comprehension, memory retention, and overall cognitive development.
So, as we celebrate Reading Month this March, let’s not only revel in the joy of storytelling but also explore the enriching possibilities of singing books. Together, let’s ignite a love for reading and music in the hearts of our children, fostering a lifelong passion for learning and creativity.
I’ll end by passing along wisdom from my dad:
“If you can’t sing pretty, sing loud!”
So many people feel like they “can’t sing” and while I understand that comfort is the main factor for this, children don’t really care. So, if you are uncomfortable, that is ok! Just embrace a smile and sing loud!
