Build on your child’ s interests
Is your child passionate about outer space? Sing“ Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” or“ I Don’ t Want to Live on the Moon.” Do they love animals? Sing“ Los Pollitos Dicen( The Little Chicks Say)” or“ Going on a Bear Hunt.” You can find and learn new songs by accessing old CDs, records, and online sources. Be sure to teach your child the songs that you loved when you were little or that were important to your family.
Try out props, and add movement
Pull out your pots and pans or some old scarves, and invite your child to try different ways to move or make sounds with these objects. Encourage them to sing and move faster or slower, with bigger or smaller movements, depending on their interests and needs. These activities are fun, and they help your child use their body to express themselves.
Incorporate songs from different cultures
Music is a powerful tool for making connections to your own and others’ cultures. Using songs and chants in new languages and from other places will introduce your child to new ideas, experiences, and words. Check out“ Frère Jacques( Brother John),”“ Jambo( Hello),”“ Zhao Pengyou( Looking for a Friend),” and“ De Colores( All the Colors)” for dancing, call-and-response activities, and greetings.
Take part in the fun yourself!
Your child will follow your lead, so sing and dance with them. Remember that you don’ t need to be perfect in how you sound and move. It’ s about connecting with your child through joyful, playful musical moments.
About the Authors
Rebecca Anne Swartz, PhD, is an associate professor and program director of the Early Childhood Education Program at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.
Kira Hamann, EdD, is an associate professor of early childhood education at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville in Illinois.
This message is meant to be printed out, photocopied, and sent home with children as a resource for families!
Photograph: © Getty Images. Copyright © 2026 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. See permissions and reprints online at NAEYC. org / resources / permissions.
Summer 2026 Educating Young Children 33