Sing and Move Together

1. 1

   Singing songs with repeated words helps your child grow familiar with the words, understand them, imitate them, and eventually join in.

2. 2

   Choose a simple song with repetition, such as “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” Pair repeated words with an easy action—for example, open and close your hands as you sing “twinkle, twinkle.” This helps your child connect the sound with the movement.

3. 3

   Watch how your child responds. They may sway, clap, or try to say a repeated word such as “twinkle.”

4. 4

   When they join in, make your singing and movements more expressive so it feels like you are performing together.

5. 5

   After the song, ask whether they want to sing it again. If they do, adjust your pace so they can follow along.

6. 6

   For more variety, add simple instruments such as rattles, shakers, or a small drum. Invite your child to play on the repeated words.

What to notice

• Makes a sound or movement after hearing a familiar repeated phrase Emergent Literacy
• Remembers a movement used during an earlier singing game Memory

Tips

• Looking toward you, making a sound, or saying “again” or a word from the song can show that your child wants to continue.
• Once the melody is familiar, vary the pace and voice: faster, slower, quieter, or louder.
• If a full song is too much to remember, repeat just two or three lines so the words can become familiar.

Developmental benefits

• Language: Singing a familiar song slowly with simple actions helps your child notice, understand, and repeat recurring words and phrases.
• Cognitive: Repeating the same words and actions gives your child practice remembering a familiar pattern and joining in at the right moment.