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Early Literacy for Families

Prepare your child for success in reading, school and life with these resources from San Antonio Public Library's early literacy program.

Why singing?

Singing—which also includes rhyming—increases children’s awareness of and sensitivity to the sounds in words. This helps prepare children to decode print (written language). When we sing we often slow down language, giving children the opportunity to hear the sounds that make up words.

Another action that goes with singing is clapping. Try clapping along to the rhythm of a song. This helps differentiate the syllables in words.

Finally, think about the words used in songs. Are these the same words you use every day? Singing helps children learn new words and adds to their knowledge of the world around them.

Singing and rhyming are especially effective at developing letter knowledge, phonological awareness, and vocabulary.