Use music to build relationships

Music is a dynamic way for children to learn about themselves and to build relationships with others through their creative expressions. This can begin by celebrating their names. Research has shown that one of the first words a child recognizes is their name, regardless of the languages they speak. Songs and chants that include opportunities to use individual names— such as“ Hickety Pickety Bumble Bee” and“ Willoughby Wallaby Woo”— provide playful ways to scaffold children’ s language development, well-being, and sense of community.

Because children benefit from repeated interactions involving different forms of expression, we recommend that educators include singing and chanting throughout the day. In infant and toddler settings, this might look like using songs for everyday routines, such as“ This Is the Way We Wash Our Hands” and its many versions(“ This is the way we take a turn”;“ This is the way we stack the blocks”). Older children can sing and chant as they gather into whole and small groups, singing“ The More We Get Together” and“ Hello, How Are You?” Educators can adapt songs like these to reflect and respond to children’ s cultural contexts.

Honor children’ s interests and experiences

Children’ s participation increases when a subject interests them. This includes activities around music. For example, if the children in your setting are passionate about outer space, sing“ Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” or“ I Don’ t Want to Live on the Moon.” If you teach children who love animals, consider singing“ Los Pollitos Dicen( The Little Chicks Say)” or“ Going on a Bear Hunt.” If you teach infants, look for songs that elicit their delight. Focus on joint attention and connection: Infants express joy and show engagement when they babble, bounce to a beat, and make eye contact.

Families have a wealth of musical ideas and resources. You can work with them to further identify children’ s interests and to incorporate the songs they sing at home. Ask what they listen to and sing with their children, then share that music in your setting. This is particularly helpful in supporting multilingual learners and children from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Summer 2026 Educating Young Children 29