An earful of music

In this Music Notebook, we continue to explore the ways in which music is integrated into our daily lives. We share some observations from CPE staff members about the Éveil musical program. We present a list of fun and educational songs and nursery rhymes that will delight your ears. Finally, we offer a new series of activities for sharing musical moments with your family.

When music is contagious

Since the beginning of the year, Carrefour francophone has been gradually implementing its Éveil musical program in its early childhood centres. Educational staff members have noticed that exposure to music sparks enthusiasm in young children and creates a ripple effect among them. After singing a song as a group, it is not uncommon for children to ask to sing it again right away or to sing it again later in the day or during the week. After having the opportunity to play with musical instruments, the little ones ask to have access to them again to continue discovering and exploring them.

One thing is certain: the joy of music is contagious. And the early childhood music program helps to share that excitement.

Educational songs and nursery rhymes

If your child has ever had trouble falling asleep, you know how soothing lullabies can be. Songs and nursery rhymes can also be a fun way to expose your child to new concepts and enrich their vocabulary.

Some nursery rhymes and songs create refrains that gradually awaken children to the concepts that make up their world. Here are a few to sing as a family, organized by topic.

Body parts
1) Alouette, gentille alouette
2) Savez-vous planter des choux ?

Numbers
3) Dix moutons
4) Violette à bicyclette
5) Un éléphant qui se balançait
6) Un, deux trois (nous irons au bois)

Music notes
7) J’ai perdu le do de ma clarinette
8) Do, le do, il a bon dos

Days of the week
9) Lundi matin (le Roi, la Reine et le Petit Prince)

The passage of days and nights
10) Bon dodo, mon ami (« La nuit court après le jour »)

Three ways to explore Éveil musical as a family

Like the last Music Notebook, we offer ideas for activities to enjoy musical moments with your family. Think of them as an invitation to play, have fun, and share.

  1. Explore tempo: Sing a song to your child and have fun varying the rhythm. The song Meunier tu dors itself very well to tempo changes, as it is short and evokes the idea that the “mill is going too fast.” Observe your child’s reaction when you speed up or slow down. Do they seem surprised, do they want to laugh, do they get carried away by the rhythm of the song? You can sing faster and faster or slower and slower. To illustrate the changes in rhythm, you can clap your hands or dance to the tempo of the song. 
  2. Sing to your heart’s content: Get into the habit of singing throughout the day. Sing tunes that come to mind or make up songs that describe what your child is doing or give them instructions. These songs can accompany your child’s routine and all the moments when you are caring for them: bath time, potty training, diaper changes, breastfeeding or bottle feeding, getting dressed, tidying up toys, brushing teeth, bedtime. Your songs can be very simple and repetitive. Singing is a way to play with your child, connect with them, and even bond with them.
  3. Explore listening: Select songs you like to create a shared music playlist that both you and your child enjoy. Include all the songs you like, regardless of genre: pop, rock, blues, country, jazz, classical, gospel. If there are nursery rhymes or children’s songs that you don’t like, there’s no need to torture yourself—choose songs that you enjoy. Fun is contagious!

Take short breaks to listen to music as a family when you feel your child is receptive. Pay attention to what they particularly enjoy. You can dance, clap your hands, or tap your feet to the beat of the music. You can also mimic how the musical instruments used in the songs are played.

Looking to expand your repertoire of children’s songs? We invite you to discover Daniel Lavoie’s album Bébé dragon, Nana Mouskouri’s album Pour les enfants, or Anne Sylvestre’s numerous Fabulettes. All three offer beautiful melodies and well-crafted lyrics.

See you in a month for our next Music Notebook!