Songs, rhyme and music

Songs, rhymes and music are a fun and powerful way to support your child’s development.

Last updated: 25th November

They help children learn new words, build confidence, and understand the rhythm and structure of language.

Why songs and rhymes matter

Singing and rhyming with your child can:

  • Help them learn new words
  • Support non-verbal communication
  • Introduce early maths skills
  • Teach how words are formed
  • Encourage copying actions
  • Boost language, communication and literacy
  • Develop social skills
  • Introduce beats and rhythms
  • Build confidence and enjoyment of language
  • Strengthen bonds between adult and child

Even babies benefit from rhymes – they love hearing your voice and watching your face. As children grow, they enjoy making up rhymes and playing rhyming games.

Explore songs and rhymes

Here are some useful links with ideas and resources:

  • BookTrust Rhyme Challenge- have a go at leaning all 10 rhymes.
  • City Songbirds nursery rhymes - Stoke Speaks Out supports parents, carer's and practitioners to make children’s communication ‘everybody’s business’. You will find links to a variety of traditional nursery rhymes with words and the tune to get you and your child rhyming.
  • Time To Talk - Start 4 Life information on how your baby and child will learn to talk and how you can support them.
  • BBC Tiny Happy People - Links to a variety of nursery rhymes suitable for different ages and how to make up your own rhyme - there’s even The Parent Rap!
  • BBC Teach - Nursery Rhymes and Songs for young children.
  • Words for Life -  Top nursery Rhymes and songs for young children.
  • Teach Early Years - How Songs and Rhyme can support young children with Dyslexia.

Contact us

For more information or support, contact:

Kerry Heath

Senior Early Years Coordinator

Phone: 07794 175467

Email: Kerry.heath@staffordshire.gov.uk 

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