Tune-in to Literacy
It is said that music is the universal language of the world. The simple sound of a single drum can elicit movement in anyone. But there’s a sound reason as to why music is so instrumental for early literacy in children. Phonological awareness, or the idea that words have specific sounds broken down into syllables, is an essential concept for children to acquire before learning to read. Music is a marvelous and effective tool for kids to become phonologically aware. Musical instruments, singing songs like “The Itsy Bitsy Spider”, and the simple task of clapping the syllables of your child’s name can help your little one grasp this skill rather quickly.
In children’s literature, phonological awareness can be developed through books with rhymes and words that focus on a specific sound. For example, in the book “Click, Clack, Moo”, the repetition of the line “Click, Clack, Moo” helps children focus on the letter “C” sound. Another way to increase phonological awareness is to find books where kids can acquire alphabetic knowledge, or the ability to become familiar with the alphabet. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a storytime favorite for us because it’s got a great rhythm and the tune is so catchy kids learn their ABCs in no time. Here are some other books and resources you can find at Yolo County Library that will increase your little one’s phonological awareness:
Pete the Cat and the Cool Cat Boogie
Pete asks his friends to teach him how to dance; the only problem is he keeps doing it all wrong! Owl’s wise words help Pete the Cat learn that he dances best when he is being himself.
Brilliant Baby Plays Music
Come along with Baby on this journey to learn about all the different types of musical instruments and genres!
School Readiness Kit- Music
This music-themed kit offered by Yolo County Library contains a variety of books in English, Spanish and Russian, CDs with children’s music, and an activity for your little one to enjoy!
Bilingual Backpack- Música
In this backpack, you can find several musical instruments, one book in Spanish, one book in English, and three bilingual books.
Tags: MUSIC, PHONOLOGICAL AWARENESS, RHYMES, ALPHABET
