Merrily Rolling Along

Singing in the car is one of the greatest illustrations of the practical application of music!  We know that musical experiences benefit babies and young children in so many ways – providing rich interpersonal experiences, creating feelings of self-worth and being loved, feeding language growth, and supporting the development of fine and gross motor skills.  And on the road, we find an additional priceless benefit-it happily occupies your baby, making travel as smooth as possible.  Frustration can be minimized for your baby and for the whole family if music is one of your travel “techniques.”

Music in Hand

Children’s songs and rhymes can be sanity saving diversions when buckled in for travel. If you tend to have trouble remembering these songs when you need them most, make yourself a music cue card with a list of 10 or 15 favourites.  Slip it in your wallet, the nappy bag, or the glove box.  Then, should you happen to be momentarily stuck in traffic when your baby starts to get restless, you can lift their spirits, and yours, with a musical diversion.

If you are stuck for inspiration, your Kindermusik Hello Song is always a great ‘go to’ song – your baby (and you!) know it well because we sing it every week in class. Just hearing the melody can bring immediate calm as your baby makes the association between the song and the time they enjoy with you in class each week.

Include favourite finger and toe tickles such as “This Little Piggy Went to Market” or its cousin “This Little Cow Eats Grass” (from “Old MacDonald) and nursery rhymes with finger movements such as “Eency Weency Spider” and “Pat-a-Cake”.

And don’t forget the simple classic to be enjoyed repeat upon repeat-peek-a-boo.  Play peek-a-boo with your hands, using a book, or with a travel-friendly sheer scarf. (It’s both lightweight and compact.)  Sing the song “Peek-a-boo.” (from the Kindermusik Foundations unit “Peekaboo!”).  Before you start to sing, hide your face behind your hands.  Each time you sing “peek-a-boo” reveal yourself, to baby’s delight, concealing your face again on the “la’s.”  You can also play peek-a-boo hiding baby’s hand or foot or a stuffed animal.

To download any of the songs suggested here for your mp3 player,   just go to Play Kindermusik or visit your music library on my.kindermusik.com.