When a newborn comes into the world, he first recognizes his mother’s voice. Gradually he starts smiling, responding and then murmuring in his own dialect. This process is the basis of his language development. Nursery rhymes and songs play a very important role in this entire journey.
It is generally seen that singing lullabies, poems, and rhymes to small children is not only a means of entertainment but a strong pillar of their cognitive development. But what is it in these rhymes and songs that teach children to speak and understand language so quickly? Let’s know in detail.
The magic of rhyming words
Nursery rhymes usually contain repetitive words, rhythms and rhyming patterns like – “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” or “Humpty Dumpty Sat on a Wall”. Children’s brain easily remembers these repeated words. This increases their vocabulary and they start understanding the pronunciation of words better.
Rhyming words teach babies to distinguish between sounds, leading them to correct pronunciation when they start speaking.
Music and sound stimulation
Babies initially perceive the world as only sounds and vibrations. When you hum a song or poem, the sound creates a rhythm in their brain that not only soothes them but also leads to a smoother process of language acquisition.
Experts believe that the rhythm, cadence and repetition of songs help babies understand the structure and harmony of language.
Improves sensory experience and memory
Nursery rhymes are often associated with physical activities such as “If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands” or “Head, shoulders, knees and toes”. Such activities develop children’s physical and mental coordination.
When a child combines gestures with a song, he or she gets visual, auditory, and kinesthetic experiences. This combination strengthens their memory.
Social and emotional development
Songs and nursery rhymes are not sung alone, they are often sung together with someone – be it a parent, a grandparent, or a teacher. This interaction sows the seeds of sociality in children. They learn to communicate with others, smile, respond, and express emotions.
A simple rhyme like “Baa Baa Black Sheep” when repeated, makes babies smile, eyes sparkle – this is the foundation of emotional development.
Key to understanding linguistic structure
The language used in nursery rhymes is very simple and consistent. For example, sentences like “Jack and Jill went up the hill” give children an early understanding of subject, verb, and object.
Such poems teach grammatical structures in a natural way – without any books or rules. It builds a strong foundation for the language.
Helps in multilingual development
If more than one language is spoken in a household, nursery rhymes help children develop an equal interest and understanding in both languages. Singing the same rhyme in both Hindi and English can give children linguistic flexibility.
For example, translating “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” as “Chamak Chamak Laghu Tara” and singing it builds a bridge of understanding in both languages.
Creating a safe and trusting environment
When parents sing nursery rhymes to their children, it creates an intimate and safe environment. This feeling gives children the confidence that what they are saying is correct and their words are being appreciated.
This helps children to express themselves without fear – which is the first and most important condition for learning a language.
Effective for children with special needs
Many studies confirm that nursery rhymes are also useful for children on the autism spectrum or with speech delays. Rhythmic songs and poems are a powerful way for them to begin language.
Music activates the parts of their brain that are responsible for grasping words and understanding meaning.
A wonderful confluence of children’s literature and rhymes
Nursery rhymes and stories often go together. For example, “Old MacDonald had a farm” is both a story and a song. This two-dimensional presentation teaches children the art of storytelling as well as language skills.
This type of literature develops imagination, the habit of asking questions and creativity in word use in children.
The role of parents: The first teacher
Ultimately, it is important to understand that the first teacher of any child is his parents. When you sing a lullaby to your baby, even for a few moments of the day, you are not just a source of entertainment, but also the strongest pillar of his language journey.
Conclusion: One Rhyme, One World
Nursery rhymes and songs are not just word games for babies. They are the first step towards language learning – a step that teaches them to understand the world, express themselves and speak confidently.
So the next time you sing “Jhula Jhula Re” or “Rain Rain Go Away” with your baby, remember – you are opening a new window into the amazing journey of his brain.
