Category: music

How Music Playlists for Speech Development Help Babies Learn

Did you know that the magic of music can do wonders for your baby’s speech development? By listening to songs with repetitive letter sounds, babies can learn to recognize and imitate these sounds, which is a crucial step in developing their speech and language skills. Songs like “Karma Karma Karma Chameleon” or “My my my my my my my Poker Face” are not only fun but also help in reinforcing specific sounds in a baby’s auditory world.

I really enjoyed this article by planningwithkids.com, In what order should the alphabet and sounds be taught? where Nicole breaks down the recommended order in a handy chart and gives tips like, “m, s, f, c, p, t are more commonly used than q, v, z and x. “

So I broke it down by 1st, 2nd, 3rd letter sounds and found songs that used those sounds. From there, I started finding other letter sounds that use consonant digraphs and trigraphs and then moved on to

Disclaimer

I am not a speech-language expert, and the information in this article is based on personal experience and general research. This post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional speech therapy advice. If you have concerns about your child’s speech development, I recommend consulting a qualified speech-language pathologist for personalized guidance.

Practical Tips for Creating and Using Playlists

Creating these magical playlists is easier than you think. Here are some steps and tips to get you started:

1. Pick Your Songs: Want to boost your kid’s speech without drowning in endless loops of “Baby Shark”? Go for songs with catchy, repetitive sounds! Classics like Baa Baa Black Sheep keep it kid-friendly, but if you need something a little less preschool playlist, Rehab by Amy Winehouse works too. Just don’t be surprised if your toddler starts belting out “No, no, no!” with a little too much enthusiasm.
   • Example Songs:
     • M: “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz, “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga
     • S: “Shallow” by Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper, “Safe and Sound” by Capital Cities
     • F: “Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars, “Forget You” by Cee Lo Green
     • A: “Vacation” by The Go-Go’s, “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes
     • P: “Please Mr. Postman” by The Marvelettes, “Paparazzi” by Lady Gaga
     • T: “Take You Dancing” by Jason Derulo, “22” by Taylor Swift
     • I: “We Are Young” by Fun., “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
2. Use Free or Cost-Effective Tools: Platforms like Freegal offer free music downloads and streaming, and you can use MP3s for Families in 2025.
3. Create a Playlist: Using your favorite music app or free streaming service, create a playlist dedicated to songs with repetitive sounds. Spotify’s desktop version lets you curate playlist even with a free account! Keep it handy for car rides, playtime, or even bedtime.
4. Sing Along: Encourage your child to sing along with you. Singing together not only makes it more fun but also enhances bonding and learning.

Personal Anecdotes and Song Recommendations

With my niece’s insights from the music industry, I curated a playlist that quickly became a household favorite. It includes gems like “Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles and “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift. My kids and I love singing along, and it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some learning while having a blast.

Here are some of the songs we enjoy:

• “Karma Karma Karma Chameleon” by Culture Club
• “My my my my my Poker Face” by Lady Gaga
• “Rehab” by Amy Winehouse
• “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift

Feel free to mix in songs you already know and love. The more familiar the tunes, the more enjoyable the experience for both you and your little ones.

Benefits for Kids and Parents

Not only are these playlists beneficial for your child’s speech development, but they also offer a refreshing break from traditional nursery rhymes or endless loops like CoComelon. Plus, it’s a great way for parents to rediscover their favorite tunes and share them with their children. Music brings joy and learning, making family time even more special.

Conclusion: Make Your Own Playlist and Start Singing!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your favorite songs, create your own playlists, and let the music play. Sing often with your kids, and watch as they babble, giggle, and grow into confident little speakers. Remember, the best things in life are often free—and that includes the joy of music and the priceless bond it helps to create between you and your child.