Singing for the Brain Judith Odendahl MA, LSLS Cert. AVEd. Barbara Meyers MA, Ed. CED Kathy Gallagher BA Objectives Recognize the positive relationships among singing, music and enhanced brain plasticity and relevance to development of auditory processing and spoken language Review the progression of children s development and participation in song/action experiences Implement song/action strategies demonstrated, incorporating auditory closure opportunities when planning song/action experiences for daily routines Daniel Ling Music and singing have been an important part of human experience since the dawn of recorded time...
Some Interesting Notes Singing traditional lullabies and nursery rhymes is an essential precursor to later educational success and emotional well being (Blythe, 2011). Babies are particularly responsive when the music comes directly from the parent. (Blythe, 2011). Children are born with the ability to learn spoken language and music Music and rhyme increase ability in spatial reasoning, which can enhance mathematical and scientific abilities More Interesting Notes Singing affects the social part of the brain (Kieber, Veit, Birbaumer & Lotze, 2007) The strong timing and rhythmic elements of music impact the speech centers of the brain The repetitive element of singing is enhanced when accompanied by movements which help a child retain flexibility, gain strength and improve muscle tone (Thaut, 2005) The right pitch and melody keep a baby interested in conversation(trevarthen & Malloch, 2002) Benefits... It s fun Can be used to cue routines and make for smoother transitions Invites children to become active participants Develops listening skills Helps develop and promote auditory memory
Even More Benefits.. Focuses on suprasegmentals: pitch, rhythm, intonation, duration Enhances speech perception Helps develop breath flow and control Helps avoid excessive nasality and strained voice Provides opportunities for practicing sounds, words, phrases and word order Setting the Stage... Sing or use a sing-song voice Repeat favorite songs over and over Use of rhythmic motions rocking, bouncing, swaying Play music while sitting together/move to the music Provide music boxes, mobiles, musical toys, musical instruments, and kid s music CDs Incorporate music throughout the day Create songs about typical daily routines Create songs related to established play routines Signs of Listening Changes in facial expression Alerts or calms to music Becomes quiet or stops an activity Turns to find the source of sound Increases body movements -moves to the music -music stops-child moves body to indicate they want more Coos and vocalizes Points to ear
Video Mom & Baby Video of Mom & Baby Native Language Video Blanket Song
Video Shake & Stop Video Music & Movement Become Your Own Muse Choose a familiar tune or make one up Use a variety of tunes Sing about the here and now Keep it short and simple Be sure to consider the child s language needs Repeat the same sounds, words, phrases Incorporate actions and props Use expectant pause to allow the child the opportunity to take a turn
Video Hearing Aid Song Video Diaper Song Video Hat Song
Video Roll the Ball Video Swinging Song Oldies But Goodies Wheels on the Bus Hokey Pokey Twinkle Twinkle Old MacDonald Itsy Bitsy Spider Teddy Bear Song Hi Ho the Derry Oh
Video Roll Over Song Video Wheels on the Bus Video Old MacDonald
The Dress Rehearsal The child becomes a more active participant through... -imitation -recognition -discrimination Video Twinkle Twinkle Video Hokey Pokey
Emerging Singer The child is beginning to use his/her own singing voice to fill in parts of a song Repeatedly singing simple songs builds vocabulary and targeted language structures Video Ducks in the Water Video Fishie Song
Video Parent Reporting On to the Grammys The child is singing most of the melody and some or all of the words Move on to more complex language structures within songs as the child begins to sing more of the lyrics on their own Video Wheels on the Bus
Video Good-Bye Resources Benefit of Music for Infants: How Music Helps Newborn Babies Brain and Emotional Development (2008) http://angelaengland.suite101.com Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families (2011) http://main.zerotothree.org Bales,D. (1998). Building Baby s Brain: The Role of Music. Athens, GA: University of Georgia, College of Family and Consumer Sciences. The Neurosciences and Music III Disorders and Plasticity: Ann.N.Y. Acad. Sci. 1169: 534 542 (2009) New York Academy of Sciences. Resources cont... Estabrooks, E., & Birkenshaw-Fleming, L. (2003) Songs for Listening Songs for Life Washington, DC; AG Bell Introduction: Speech and Song Daniel Ling Barton, C. (2006) Bringing Music to their Bionic Ears: Nurturing music development in children with cochlear implant. Loud Clear Issue Valencia, CA: Advanced Bionics Goddard Blythe, S.(2011)Advance Information. The Genius of Natural Childhood; Hawthorn Press