Using Music to Support Language Delay

While many children start speaking early, not all children do. In fact, for parents whose children do not start speaking early, it can be heart-breaking to hear other parents talk about their frustrations with children who won’t stop talking.

Children may not speak fluently for many reasons, from physical impediments to neurological or learning differences. When a delay is identified, it is helpful for parents to be guided towards medical assessment. Not only can this eliminate more serious conditions, but it can also open doors for early intervention. One easy and accessible activity that can support intervention is singing familiar songs.

• Melody, or musical notes, can enhance memory and learning, making it easier to remember words and phrases.

• Singing engages the language centres of the brain, creating new neural pathways and improve connectivity between brain regions responsible for language processing.

• Singing involves precise timing and rhythm, which help with language comprehension and production.

• Singing also encourages fluent and clear speech through co-ordinating breath control, articulation, and phrasing.

• Singing helps to develop phonological awareness, which is the ability to recognize and manipulate the sounds of language, which is vital for reading and spelling.

• Through singing, individuals can learn new words and phrases in a meaningful context, making it easier for them to remember and use these words in everyday situations.

• Songs with complex sentence structures or grammatical elements can be practised easily through singing along.

• Singing can boost self-esteem and confidence as successful singing may lead to willingness to communicate verbally.

• Singing impacts social interaction as it is a way to express emotions. This is particularly important with condition-related frustration and anxiety. This can help to boost self-esteem as well as connect with others who share their interests in a supportive environment.

Practical Tips for Incorporating Singing:

1. Appropriate Songs: Select songs that match language level and interests. Consider songs with clear lyrics and repetition.

2. Sing Regularly: Consistency is key. Incorporate singing into daily routines to maximize its benefits.

3. Encourage Participation: Create a supportive atmosphere where children feel comfortable singing and expressing themselves.

Action-based songs are perfect for language delay. They often have a clear order to the activity or progression of the story, which helps to reinforce language skills like grammar and word order. Here are a few that you can easily introduce into your routine, knowing that it will support language development for the whole group in a fun, accessible way.

Hokey Cokey

Action songs help to develop the skills we have discussed, like the neurological relationship between actions and words.

You put your left hand in
You put your left hand out
In-out, in-out, shake it all about
You do the hokey-cokey and you
Turn yourself around
That’s what it’s all about

 Oh, hokey, cokey, cokey
Oh, hokey, cokey, cokey
Oh, hokey, cokey, cokey
Knees bent, arms stretched
Raa, raa, raa

 You put your right hand in
You put your right hand out
In-out, in-out, shake it all about
You do the hokey-cokey and you
Turn yourself around
That’s what it’s all about

 You put your left foot in
You put your left foot out
In-out, in-out, shake it all about
You do the hokey-cokey and you
Turn yourself around
That’s what it’s all about

 You put your right foot in
You put your right foot out
In-out, in-out, shake it all about
You do the hokey-cokey and you
Turn yourself around
That’s what it’s all about