Singing is an exciting way to increase vocabulary. Preschoolers learn an amazing number of new words every week, and they learn to put words together to form short sentences. Singing helps them practice pronouncing new words in a safe way, where they are not exposed if they cannot correctly pronounce the whole word. The focus is on the rhythm and the music, so singing encourages children who may be reluctant to use new words. The meaning of the words can be taught by explaining the song and using visual aids, such as pictures, or pointing to objects in the classroom.
During the preschool years, basic skills are taught and a foundation for math and reading are built. Songs can be added to reinforce learning skills, such as color, shapes, numbers and the alphabet. Use pictures to point at the numbers while you are singing to ensure that the knowledge is linked visually. Repetition of skills is a way to make the preschoolers familiar with the ideas and to deepen their knowledge. Yet, it is vital the repetition is carried out in an engaging and fun way. Songs can be invented where the words are changed to familiar tunes, and themes that have been discussed are included in the old song.
Pre-reading skills are a vital part of a preschool curriculum. Nursery rhymes put to music help preschoolers discover rhymes. Singing songs that rhyme focuses the attention on the rhyme, and songs that rhyme are easy to remember. Preschoolers can search for rhyme words and you can ask them if they can think of new words that rhyme. Singing stresses that words are made of smaller parts and each note is often linked to a syllable in a word. Preschoolers can clap the rhythm and this enhances the idea that you can divide words into smaller parts.
Preschoolers love to move and singing promotes the development of gross motor skills. Often hand motions or body movements accompany songs. They learn to make the movements at different speed, and to sing and move their hands fast to fast music. Physical control helps to build concentration skill, and singing helps preschoolers gain control over their vocal chords. Speaking with a clear and confident voice is a skill that gives a preschooler confidence to trust himself. Singing together with other preschoolers builds social skills, where you have to cooperate to sing.