Using music in speech and language therapy can be very effective to increase communication skills. While speech therapy is more well known, music therapy is still a powerful tool to promote language development.
Why is collaborate between these two areas important? They both benefit your child’s overall well-being.
5 similarities between music and language:
- Music and Language are universal and specific to humans
- Both have pitch, timbre, rhythm, and durational features
- Spontaneous speech and spontaneous singing typically develop within infants at approximately the same time.
- Music and language have auditory, vocal, and visual uses (both use written systems) and are built on structure and rules.
- Distinct forms of music and language exist and vary across cultures
- Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
What are some ways to introduce music to your child?
- Make an instrument with your child – from drums to rain sticks, there are many options to try!
- Pick up a musical library book – try Wheels on the Bus or Old MacDonald.
- Add Toddler Radio (meant for children 4 and under) to your Pandora station and listen with your child.