It's not a gimmick. It's not magic. It's science.
When we listen to music, our brains process the words in the lyrics differently from how they process regular, spoken words. It's one of the reasons that music is such a powerful mnemonic (a tool for remembering something). Can you recite the slogan for Nationwide Insurance®? Maybe, maybe not. But if you heard the very first two notes of the jingle, you would be more much likely to sing, "Nationwide® is on your side". That's the right (musical) side of your brain, working together with the left (language-focused) side. Music is so beneficial for children with speech delays.
When we talk, we use language for different functions: to request, to comment, to greet, to ask questions, etc. Children experiencing a delay in speaking often need specialized support to learn how to use language in these different ways. Every song targets specific words and phrases. These words are highly functional because they can be used for a variety of different functions throughout a child's day.
Children love music. They naturally gravitate toward nursery rhymes because those songs are about fun topics (like animals and vehicles), and because songs are repetitive and predictable- a very motivating combination for little ones experiencing a delay in talking. First Words Dance Party incorporates favorite topics, like cookies, bubbles, balloons, and the beach, but does so with the twist of dance beats, synth, and keyboards. Kids and parents are motivated to listen and sing along because the music is fun and enjoyable.
The very first words that children use tend to follow pretty predictable patterns. This is because they start by saying the simplest combinations of consonant and vowel sounds. Children learn how to sequence those sounds together into the simplest syllable shapes to say their first words. Every song targets the most common first words, focusing on the simplest syllable shapes at that "just right" level for children with a delay in speech.
Parents and caregivers are a child's most influential communication partners. This FREE course will give you the essential strategies you need to help your child to say new words- even if your child is delayed in speech.