Singable Books

I have found that as a music therapist and parent, I enjoy sharing singable books – books that can be sung, chanted, and used with a melody when read. Books that have a melody to them, whether pre-existing or not, can be more engaging and a great way to reinforce learning. Today, I want to share why I enjoy singable books, why they can be so beneficial, and some of my favorite winter-themed books!

Reading is so important to a child’s development and can foster language skills, empathy, and imagination. However, what is unique about singable books is that you engage both sides of the brain! Speech and language processing typically occur in different hemispheres of the brain. Both areas are activated simultaneously when children sing along with a book, and this dual activation can enhance memory retention, comprehension, and overall cognitive development.

As a music therapist, some of the goals that I might address with singable books include:

Reading goals/sight words
Enhancing communication/language skills
Enhancing social/emotional skills
Enhancing fine motor skills
“Wh” questions
Sequencing
Identifying colors, shapes, items, characters, and more!

Are you wondering, is this something that I can do? Absolutely! Sing the books with your child! Have them follow along with their finger, or identify sight words to practice reading. Ask them to point to objects on pages. Work on comprehension by asking “Wh” questions while you read or after the book is finished. Find words that rhyme within the book. Have them practice turning pages. There is such a wide variety of things to work on while reading books, but it certainly doesn’t feel like work if you are having fun singing/reading together!

I’m including some winter-themed books below to get you started this season. Enjoy!