Playing with vocal inflection – the intonations of melody of language – is a critical part of early childhood vocal development, which may begin as early as 5-7 months of age, and provides older children the opportunity to explore the complexity of communication. Vocal play allows children to practice the precise coordination of lips, tongue, and breathing necessary to speak words.*
Ideas for parents: Vocal Play can happen any time, but can be especially fun in the car or during bath
time. An easy way to facilitate vocal play is to sing a snippet of a song or chant a short rhythm pattern or poem and invite your child to echo you back. Or you can sing part of a song or say part of a poem and have them respond with the next line. It’s a simple little game that’s both engaging and beneficial for your child’s vocal development.
– Contributed by Theresa Case, whose Greenville, SC program, Kindermusik at Piano Central Studios, is proudly among the top 1% of Kindermusik programs worldwide.
*adapted from Furuno et al, 1997