Blog
How Singing Supports Learning
Music is a powerful tool in early childhood education, offering cognitive, linguistic, and emotional benefits. At EB, singing is woven into daily routines, supporting bilingual development while making learning engaging and joyful.
Singing in Preschool – Why, When, and How We Sing at EB
Why Do We Sing?
🎶 For Joy and Motivation: Music creates a fun, stimulating environment, making learning an enjoyable experience.
🧠 To Develop Auditory Memory: Songs help children internalize rhythms, patterns, and vocabulary. Clapping, body percussion, and movement enhance memory and coordination.
🗣 To Learn Vocabulary and Sentence Structures: Repetitive lyrics and catchy melodies reinforce language acquisition in both French and English.
🚶♂️ To Support Transitions: Singing guides students smoothly from one activity or space to another—such as moving to the mini-gym with an energizing tune.
🎭 To Build Confidence: Performing for classmates and parents fosters self-expression and pride in bilingual skills.
💡 To Increase Engagement: Music captures children's attention and encourages active participation, even when learning new concepts.
🧠 To Develop Auditory Memory: Songs help children internalize rhythms, patterns, and vocabulary. Clapping, body percussion, and movement enhance memory and coordination.
🗣 To Learn Vocabulary and Sentence Structures: Repetitive lyrics and catchy melodies reinforce language acquisition in both French and English.
🚶♂️ To Support Transitions: Singing guides students smoothly from one activity or space to another—such as moving to the mini-gym with an energizing tune.
🎭 To Build Confidence: Performing for classmates and parents fosters self-expression and pride in bilingual skills.
💡 To Increase Engagement: Music captures children's attention and encourages active participation, even when learning new concepts.
When Do We Sing?
At EB, music is present throughout the preschool day—from daily routines to special performances.
🎶 Throughout the Day:
- Morning greetings set a positive tone.
- Transition songs help children move smoothly from one activity to another (tidying up, lining up, or getting ready to go outside).
- Learning activities use songs to introduce new vocabulary and sentence structures in a playful way.
- Nap time lullabies create a calm atmosphere.
- Goodbye songs help bring closure to the day.
🎭 For Special Occasions:
- Singing is a shared experience in small groups or whole-class settings.
- Students prepare songs for seasonal celebrations, school events, and performances for families, strengthening confidence in their bilingual abilities.
At EB, singing is more than just a fun activity—it’s a dynamic learning tool that enhances language development, builds community, and makes every day more joyful! 🎵✨
How Do We Sing?
👐 With Gestures: We use the same gestures for songs in both French and English, helping students naturally connect the two languages. This consistency strengthens understanding and supports vocabulary transfer.
🌍 In Both Languages: Bilingual songs (like L’araignée Gypsie and The Itsy Bitsy Spider) create direct links between French and English, making it easier for children to grasp new words and concepts.
🔄 Through Repetition and Playfulness: Familiar tunes sung in both languages help children internalize vocabulary naturally.
🎥 Classroom Example: Watch Fanny’s students sing their way to the mini-gym, using music to make transitions smooth and engaging!
🌍 In Both Languages: Bilingual songs (like L’araignée Gypsie and The Itsy Bitsy Spider) create direct links between French and English, making it easier for children to grasp new words and concepts.
🔄 Through Repetition and Playfulness: Familiar tunes sung in both languages help children internalize vocabulary naturally.
🎥 Classroom Example: Watch Fanny’s students sing their way to the mini-gym, using music to make transitions smooth and engaging!
How to Support Your Child at Home
Parents can reinforce bilingual learning through music in simple, fun ways:
🎵 Create bilingual playlists on a music platform—play the same song in both French and English back-to-back so children can hear familiar melodies in both languages.
🚗 Sing in the car—turn car rides into language-learning moments!
🛁 Make music part of routines—bath time, bedtime, or clean-up time can be more fun with familiar songs.
💃 Add movement—gestures and dancing help children remember words and phrases more easily.
🎤 Encourage mini-performances—invite your child to put on a mini concert for family members to build confidence in both languages.
🚗 Sing in the car—turn car rides into language-learning moments!
🛁 Make music part of routines—bath time, bedtime, or clean-up time can be more fun with familiar songs.
💃 Add movement—gestures and dancing help children remember words and phrases more easily.
🎤 Encourage mini-performances—invite your child to put on a mini concert for family members to build confidence in both languages.
By integrating music into daily life at school and at home, we help children develop language skills, build confidence, and find joy in learning—one song at a time! 🎶✨
Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley
Elementary School Campus
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