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
Sing anywhere and anytime.
Sing in your family’s language(s).
Make up songs to accompany your daily activities — for example, you can sing a nappy-changing song to the tune of ‘Here we go round the mulberry bush’: ‘This is the way we… ‘change a nap’ ‘clean that bottom’ ‘put on powder’ ‘do up the flaps’ ‘have a cuddle’.
Try some finger rhymes — maybe you remember ones from your childhood? ‘Round and round the garden’ is an old school favourite.
Te reo Māori
English
Pārekareka
pārekareka
To be pleasant, pleased, enjoyable, funMaori | Verb
Oriori
oriori
lullaby, song composed on the birth of a chiefly child about their ancestry and tribal historyMaori | Noun
Lullaby
Kanikani
kanikani
Dance, dancingMaori | Noun
Dance
Waiata ā-ringa
waiata ā-ringa
Action song - a popular modern song type with set actions and European-type tunes. Also written as waiata-ā-ringaMaori | Noun
Action songs
Pakipaki
pakipaki
To clap, applaudMaori | Verb
Clap
Rangi
rangi
Tune, air, melody, tenor, driftMaori | Noun