The benefits

Playing, singing and dancing to music are great for your tot’s physical development, and playing simple instruments like shakers and tambourines will help your little one improve his hand-eye co-ordination. Children who are exposed to lots of musical activity have also been shown to perform better in reading and maths when they start school, have high self-esteem, and even play better with other children. Songs can also be used to help tots remember stuff – try ABC, counting or memory songs.

Action songs

These are a great way to engage little ones with music. Teach your child simple hand motions (Incy Wincy Spider and The Wheels On The Bus), or basic dance moves (The Hokey Cokey). Even tots who aren’t walking yet can try Row, Row, Row Your Boat with you. He’ll love the closeness and attention he gets from you when you sing and touch.

Dancing

Tots benefit most from music that they actively experience. So get your toddler to rock, march, clap and tap along to the beat. Show your toddler how to twirl a scarf or wave a balloon in time to the music, and how to glide slowly to a gentle song, or twirl madly to a fast one. Good exercise, too!

Singing

Most tiny tots can’t really carry a tune, but they’ll get a lot of pleasure from singing simple songs. First songs may be repetitious, but they are perfect for toddlers as the repetition helps them to learn. Tots can’t read music yet, but they can pick out notes of different pitches (high or low) and you’ll probably overhear your toddler making up little songs to himself as he plays. And don’t forget lullabies. Your tot will love a cuddle and a song at bedtime – it’ll help him settle more easily.

Play along

Get out those pots, pans and wooden spoons, or fill a plastic bottle to make a shaker (see overleaf). You can buy instruments suitable for children from Tesco.com/direct and at larger Tesco stores, so look out for these next time you shop. Collect or make enough to have a family band – it’s all good practice for learning to play real instruments later. Improvisation is fun for this age group, so let your tot go wild with those castanets.

Toddler music groups

One of the best ways to increase your repertoire of nursery rhymes and action songs is to join a local music group. It’ll get you out of the house and meeting other people, and is a positive step towards your toddler developing those all-important social skills – including the beginnings of sharing (there’s usually a box of instruments to scramble for). Plus the classes always have a reassuring routine, which will help your toddler adapt to the demands of nursery and school, with their set rules, later.

Try these:

Tesco Little Steps Instrument Set, £7
This includes a drum with drumsticks, a xylophone, maracas, a clacker and a tambourine; 18m+. £7.
Toy Story Songs CD, £3
You and your tot will enjoy singing along to the wonderful tunes of Woody, Buzz and friends.
My Favourite Nursery Rhymes, Tony Ross, £9.98  This book is beautifully illustrated and includes a rhymes CD.