When we think of summer we envision family vacations, camp outings, drives to the beach, and lazy days with kids out of school. Summer’s also a great time to listen to music together because it offers a natural way to learn about language through rhythm, especially for younger children.

Music plays an important role because it strengthens a child’s mind. Kids who grow up hearing music, singing songs, and moving to the beat are enjoying what experts call “a rich sensory environment.” When kids hear music their brain automatically tries to identify familiar melodies and rhymes, just as early readers will look for words that sound alike, have patterns or rhyme.

Between the ages of 1 and 3, kids respond best to music when they actively doing it. Find opportunities to get your child rocking, marching, rolling, tapping, clapping, and moving to the beat.

Show your toddler how to move to music by twirling quickly to a fast song and swooping slowly to a song with a longer, slower beat. Bring out props like scarves, maracas, or stuffed animals to dance with, and dance together.

This summer, fill your home with music and melody. Have fun singing, dancing, and twirling to your favorite songs.  It’ll be a sure guarantee that you’ll hear squeals of laughter and see your child’s beaming face looking back at you. 

The following music selections are a sample of popular songs used by the Library’s Youth Staff during story times that are a hit with young children. Stop by the Library, we’d be glad to help you with your selections.

• Sing It! Say It! Stamp It! Sway It! - By Peter and Ellen Allard (Vol. 2)
• Wiggleworms Love You - By Old Town School Recordings
• Jim Gill Sings Do, Re, Mi, on his Toe, Leg, Knee
• Whaddaya Think of That? By Lauri Berkner
• Under a Shady Tree, by Lauri Berkner
• Jumpin & Jammin with Greg and Steve
• Preschool Aerobic Fun
• Sing-A-Move-Dance with Colleen & Uncle Squaty