Lesson 203


Lesson 203
Book
Imitating Jingles and Rhymes


     

     

Objectives

To teach your child to

a) understand longer sentences with a variety of key words
b) use longer sentences with correct intonation and key words

Points To Remember

1. Children need to learn breath control to use longer sentences.
2. Choose jingles that have repetitive sentences and a rhythm that is easy to imitate.
3. Do not worry about perfect articulation but expect the child to use approximations for the lines of the song.
4. Choose rhymes that have some key action.

Method

This is a structured activity. Choose a rhyme that has repetition and language that is easy to ‘act out’. Ideally, each verse should be the same except for a variation in one or two key words. Many children’s number songs are of this kind.
You will need some pictures or props to go along with the key parts of your rhyme.

Watch the videoclip of a 3 year old learning a new rhyme “Five Little Turkeys Sitting on the Wall”. The props are made from folded paper with pictures of the turkeys on the paper.

1. When doing this activity, position yourself so that your child is listening. Sing the first part of the rhyme while your child listens.

2. Have a third person sing the next verse, so your child can hear the same lines again. If you don’t have a third person there, you can also just sing one more verse yourself.

3. Then give your child a turn to sing.

4. If your child hesitates, encourage him by letting him begin, then sing along with him. When you hear him singing -- you stop singing right away!

5. Model the parts of the sentences that he gets stuck so he can imitate you. Continue until you have completed the verse.

6. Repeat at least two more times

7. Sing the same song throughout the day as you lay with your child. He needs to hear it often. Do not make it a ‘work’ activity. Your child should enjoy singing and using his voice. This is why it is important to choose a song that has a key action such as falling down, making a sound etc. that is fun and engaging.

8. Have your child listen to a variety of songs and music on the radio, tape, cd or other music source.

Modifications:

For children under three years of age, use action and movement songs that you can manipulate toys and props with and also do yourself. Songs with beanbags or balls are usually very good.

For older children, the songs need to be a little more complex. If you have a child who is at this stage of listening, but is older than five or six, it is useful to try and use a musical instrument that he can use to learn songs. A far as possible, use songs that he will hear from his peers that are common to your community.

Video Clips

CLIP 1




Modifications

None

What Next

1. Continue to do Lesson 202 as you begin Lesson 203.

2. When your child can sing/say one rhyme, move on and do Lesson 204. Continue to add a new rhyme each week. Make sure your child understands the key words in the rhyme.