Listening to, and singing along with rhymes and songs uses and develops both sides of the brain. Neuro-imaging has shown that music involves more than just centralised hotspots in the brain, occupying large swathes on both sides!

Growing numbers of children enter nursery and school with inadequate language and communication skills, according to the National Literacy Trust, often because their parents have not helped them develop communication skills. Singing to and, later, with a child is the most effective way to transform their ability to communicate!

Even better than just singing, though, is to teach songs with actions and encourage your child to dance along to the music. They will learn balance, co-ordination, body awareness and rhythm! Here's a quick and easy way to get your child moving and interacting.

Steps:

1. With a small group, introduce finger rhymes and action songs

2. Example: Provide a steering wheel for the ‘driver’ of the bus as you sing, ‘the wheels on the bus” and encourage the passengers to join in with actions

3. Encourage your child to create his own silly rhyme song!