This week, we join families, educators, and communities across the country in celebrating Week of the Young Child—a time to recognize the joyful, powerful ways young children learn and grow. Each day highlights something essential to early childhood—and today, it’s all about music!
Music isn’t just fun—it’s foundational. Whether you’re humming a lullaby, clapping to a beat, or making up silly songs in the car, you’re helping your baby learn in meaningful ways.
Here are 10 ways babies learn when we sing to them, from children’s music legends Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer:
Bonding – Your baby connects to your voice and learns they are loved.
Transitions – Songs for everyday routines help babies feel safe and know what’s next.
Language – Singing helps build early communication and understanding.
New Words – Songs introduce vocabulary in ways babies can see, hear, and feel.
Rhythm & Rhyme – Music builds recognition of patterns in language.
Play – Singing is a form of play, and “sing-play” makes learning fun!
Family Fun – Songs bring siblings and families together around the baby.
Singing Names – Personalized songs help babies learn their names.
Listening Skills – Singing supports language comprehension and emotional connection.
LOVE – Your baby doesn’t care if you’re on pitch—they care that you’re singing to them.
Learn more about Cathy & Marcy at http://www.cathymarcy.com
At SKCDC, we celebrate these everyday moments in our Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms and home-based visits. Music is a natural part of how children learn—through connection, movement, and joy.
Happy Music Monday! Let’s keep singing, playing, and growing—together.
