Have a sing along Activity
Singing with pēpi is all about strengthening the bond between whānau. It enhances the development of connections in baby’s brain and makes brain pathways stronger.
Why do it?
- Singing provides a rich experience — tune, rhythm, harmony, movement, language and culture — all enhancing the development of connections in baby’s brain.
- Singing is also a fun way of repeating an experience, which makes brain pathways stronger.
- Singing releases endorphins (‘feel good’ hormones), which benefit baby and whānau.
- When whānau sing with baby it strengthens their relationship
How to do it
You could have a sing along… in the car, in the bath, before or after meals, in bed, when the ads are on. When else?
- Songs with actions: Incy Wincy Spider, The Hokey Tokey, The Wheels on the Bus, Row Row Row Your Boat
- Other well known songs: Twinkle Twinkle, Old McDonald, Baa-Baa Black Sheep, Six in a Bed, How Much is That Doggy in the Window?
- Make up songs: Pick a tune and sing about your day! E.g. “Today I woke up and it was sunny! Then we ate some cereal and it was yummy!”
What other songs can you sing along to?
Using more te reo Māori
| Te reo Māori | English |
|---|---|
| Waiata | To sing/song |
| Kanikani | Dance |
| Tākaro | Play |
| Rangi | Tune |
| Oro | Sounds |
