Start With A Songbook (eBook)

Why? Because "They're fun! Children love the predictable text, rhythm, and rhyme. Children are instantly engaged and motivated to learn to read the words. The words and tunes are easy to learn... and repeated readings increase phonemic awareness and build sight word vocabularies. Once [you've] warmed up with songbooks, read aloud one or two other types of books, depending on their length and the children’s mood."
-Debbie Miller, author of "Reading with Meaning" [2]

Studies show that kids with active exposure to language have social and educational advantages. Language and emergent literacy is developed by reading, singing songs, play rhyming games, talking throughout the day... [this] sets the foundation for their later independent reading. [1]

We have sang enough songs in Play Music programs to give you weeks of music conversation. So I selected an hours-worth of the cream of the crop, and wove it into a FREE 20-page eBook for you- along with 10 reading tips from the pros.

DOWNLOAD SONGBOOK VOL. 1

1. Read whatever books your toddler asks for. (I know, I know...)
2. Read slowly and expressively, using different voices for different characters.
   
3. Substitute your child's name into the lyrics.
4. Follow along with a finger and read aloud both with and without music.
5. Encourage your toddler to clap or sing when you read rhythmic, sing-song books.
6. Ask open-ended questions (i.e. "Why do you think the baby shark is with his mama?")
7. Encourage independence by offering three or four books to choose from.
8. Let your toddler help turn pages, find things on a page, and finish repetitive rhymes.
9. Strive for at least one scheduled reading time each day. Reading before naps and bedtime helps kids learn to sit with a book and relax.
10. Let them move around while you/they read. Don't assume that because your child isn't looking at you or the book that he or she isn't interested or listening.

[1] [2]

View the 20-page Kids Play Music Songbook below. Download it 100% FREE by right clicking and saving it to your iPad, iPhone, Kindle, or other e-Reader. If you would like to browse songs with lyrics that encourage children to read, visit Songs for Teaching. 

[1] KidsHealth.org
[2] Blog.StenHouse.com
Post image above courtesy of Play Music mama J. Alvarez