Read, talk, and sing to your young child every day. It’s all about giving your child words. If your active little one is just too wiggly to sit for a book, talk about what you are doing or make up a tune and sing together. Young children will soak up words whether you are reading, talking, or singing.
At first your baby is just listening, absorbing what he or she hears. Then your child will say a word at a time and finally put words together to make conversation. By two-years-old, your child may be able to help you sing a song—even if it isn’t quite in key!
There are many children’s books that are based on songs that may even have a CD included. Some are favorites you’ll remember from your own childhood. Others are new, boppy, kid-friendly tunes that you’ll be singing over and over again once you hear them that first time.
These books are in the collection of “Read-Along Songs” produced by Family Reading Partnership. Each book is a gem on its own, and the collection of them together makes a great gift for a young child. A CD of the songs featuring local personalities Cal Walker and John Simon, comes with the set so families can hear the books both read and sung.
Children in Pre-K and Head Start in Tompkins County, NY receive this set in spring each year thanks to funding from the “Today and Tomorrow Fund” of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County. To purchase “Read-Along Songs” set of 6 books with CD in its own blue canvas book bag, visit http://www.familyreading.org.
“A You’re Adorable” illustrated by Martha Alexander with words and music by Buddy Kaye, Fred Wise, and Sidney Lippman. This book pairs letters of the alphabet with words that describe your wonderful child. You could substitute other words that come to mind, serious or silly, when you know the song.
“Over in the Meadow” illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats. There are many illustrated versions of these old tune. Keats uses collaged illustrations to depict the animals in the song from one to ten.
“Hush Little Baby” by Sylvia Long. A sweet lullaby with cozy images of a mother rabbit putting her little bunny to bed.
“The Itsy Bitsy Spider” as told and illustrated by Iza Trapani. This is a longer and humorous version of the original song that most children learn first as a fingerplay.
“We All Go Traveling By” written by Sheena Roberts, illustrated by Sioban Bell. This cumulative story includes colors and modes of transportation set to a very catchy melody.
“Miss Mary Mack” by Mary Ann Hoberman and Nadine Bernard Westcott. Hilarious illustrations accompany the text of this jump rope rhyme. This is another song that you may sing all day because it won’t leave your head!
Family Reading Corner 