With communication skills so key to all learning and development, it’s important to recognise that songs and the act of singing can boost communication skills and build confidence.

Why is singing so good for communication?

• Children can communicate through music – it encourages self-expression
• Musical activity develops listening and attention skills and helps with aural processing
• Songs introduce and reinforce vocabulary
• Songs help children tune into the rhythm and patterns of language
• Songs are designed to be repeated and communicated to others
• Singing gives children confidence!

Here are six things to try when singing songs with your class:

1. Feel The Rhythm Of Language

Singing ‘slows language down’ and word rhythms are emphasised. Have fun tapping out word rhythms as you sing and enjoy the sensation of every syllable.

Try ‘playing’ the rhythm of words using different body parts – wiggle toes, wobble knees, move hips and shrug shoulders. Can the children ‘feel’ the rhythm deep in their bodies?

2. Copy Cats

Develop listening skills by providing children with opportunities to simply listen and copy.

This can be done with the double-click feature on the Sparkyard player. Double click on the line – can the class sing it back?

3. Sing To Your Partner

Pair the children up and have each facing a partner. Before they start singing the chosen song, encourage them to acknowledge each other (e.g. make eye contact, smile, wave). Can they then sing the song, adding appropriate expression? Can they maintain communication between them throughout the song?

Or to develop listening skills, ask each pair to sing alternate verses or lines of the song – this also develops confidence.

4. Explore Words And Meaning

Songs are full of interesting vocabulary! Talk about the meaning of lyrics and perhaps select words or phrases that need to be unpacked further. Can the children describe the word or express a line of a song in their own words? Allow subject-specific vocabulary to really sink in with songs linked to core concepts and themes. Children will lap up new words, and a catchy melody or rhythm will mean those words stay with them forever. Our KS2 Curriculum Crunchers series (covering maths, English and science) is a fantastic starting point.

5. Perform!

Think about how the song might be communicated to an audience. How could it be enhanced through actions, movement or props? Are there any sections of the song that need to be sung in a particular way to create an effect? Share ideas.

6. Talk About Songs!

Create a ‘buzz’ around the songs you sing. Perhaps ask individuals to select songs for the class to sing and explain why they have chosen them. Or for something a bit different, get individuals to pitch their chosen song to the class – the best pitch wins!

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