Singing Stories
To develop early phonological awareness and narrative understanding through sung stories.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Literacy
- Learning area: Literacy
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Attends to sung stories
- Begins to anticipate actions
- Vocalises during familiar songs
- Shows preference for particular songs
Materials
- Song cards with illustrations
- Musical instruments (shakers, bells)
- Song bag with props
- Cosy group area
Instructions
Choose action songs that tell a simple story: 'Five Little Ducks', 'Row Row Row Your Boat', 'Incy Wincy Spider'. These sung narratives embed sequence, character, and action in memorable melody.
Use props from a 'song bag' to introduce each song. Pull out the spider: 'Who's this? It's Incy Wincy Spider! Let's sing her story!' Props make abstract songs concrete.
Sing slowly, clearly, and with exaggerated actions. Babies process sung language differently from spoken language — melody creates additional memory hooks for vocabulary.
Repeat the same songs daily for at least a week before introducing new ones. Repetition builds mastery and the confidence that comes from knowing what happens next.
Watch for babies who begin to anticipate actions — moving their hands before 'down came the rain'. This anticipation is early comprehension in action.
Offer instruments (egg shakers, wrist bells) for babies who need additional sensory engagement. The shaking and jingling adds another processing channel.