Using music in speech therapy is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support communication. By combining repetition, rhythm, and meaningful words, songs make it easier for children to understand and begin using language in everyday routines.
First Words Dance Party® creates original speech therapy songs written specifically for children with speech delays. Whether your child is just beginning with AAC, is a gestalt language processor, or is on the autism spectrum, this music for speech therapy was created with your child in mind.
Your child isn’t talking yet, and you’re not sure what to do at home
Your child loves music but isn’t using many words yet
You want something that works in real life—not just during therapy sessions
You’ve heard about AAC but feel overwhelmed about where to start
Targets early developing combinations of consonant and vowel sounds
Every song targets common first words while focusing on simple syllable shapes
Music is processed differently than spoken language
Rhythm and melody help words stand out
Repetition supports memory and understanding
Every song targets specific words that children can actually use in real life
Supports requesting, commenting, protesting, and more
Easy to carry over into real-life situations
First Words Dance Party® helps make speech and language support feel more natural with easy strategies built into music and everyday routines.
If your child isn’t talking yet and you want simple ways to support communication during playtime, meals, and bath time, this is a great place to begin. A full step-by-step guide is coming soon.
If your child is on the autism spectrum and is naturally drawn to music, this pathway shows how to use that strength to build connection and communication.
First Words Dance Party® combines the predictability and structure that can support autistic children with functional language opportunities built directly into the songs. More support on this topic is coming soon.
Some children easily repeat lines from favorite songs or videos but have a harder time using words with people. This is common for gestalt language processors, who learn language in larger, meaningful chunks rather than individual words.
First Words Dance Party® uses melody, rhythm, and functional phrases that can feel more accessible and meaningful for gestalt language learners. A dedicated guide is in progress and will be added here soon.
Getting started with AAC can feel overwhelming at first. Many parents wonder where to begin and what to focus on.
First Words Dance Party® helps simplify the process by building songs around beginner core words that children can use every day. If you’re just getting started and want to focus on simple, powerful words like go, more, help, and stop, a beginner-friendly guide is on the way.
First Words Dance Party® songs are designed to help you take simple phrases and carry them into everyday life.
Pick a memorable lyric from a First Words Dance Party® song, like:
“Open, open, open please”
“Uh oh, I need help”
“In and out”
“Pick me up, pick me up”
Sing the lyric during a daily routine when it naturally fits—like snack time, playtime, at the park, or getting in the car.
Then, pause and wait for your child to take the next turn by looking at you, responding with an action or gesture, or by vocalizing.
Respond by continuing the interaction with a comment, a gesture, or more singing. Try to avoid asking a question.
Then, pause and wait for your child's turn.
Rinse and repeat!
You don’t need to be a professional to support your child’s communication. With the right tools, you can turn something your child already loves—music—into a powerful speech and language activity. When you use music in speech therapy, you create opportunities for connection, understanding, and imitation in a way that feels natural and motivating.
Already feeling ready to dive in? The Homeschool Speech Therapy Handbook walks you through exactly how to model language during activities like play and meals using songs your child enjoys.
Yes! Music is emotionally regulating and engaging. Music can help children begin to imitate sounds, words, and actions. When music includes simple, functional language and repetition, it creates more opportunities for children to understand and use those words in everyday situations.
The best songs for speech therapy use simple, repetitive lyrics with functional words that children can use in real life. Songs that include core words like go, more, help, and stop are especially helpful.
For example, First Words Dance Party® songs are intentionally written to model simple, everyday phrases like “I want to go outside” or “My turn” so when children repeat them, those words can carry over into daily life.
Absolutely! Music is a powerful way to model core words for AAC in a fun and engaging way. Songs offer an easy way to intentionally teach words like up, down, stop, and go.
Many autistic children are naturally drawn to music. Music can support regulation, engagement, and imitation, while also creating shared moments of joy and connection. Music is an area of strength for many children on the autism spectrum.
Some children learn language in large chunks, called gestalts, which they repeat easily. This style of learning is called gestalt language processing. Music can support gestalt language learners by providing meaningful, memorable phrases that can later be broken down into smaller, flexible language.