Is your child’s speech delayed? 4 ways music can help

If your child has a speech delay, they may have trouble finding the right words to use or putting those thoughts into words in the first place. Music can help, whether you’re trying to bridge that gap or just want to make sure your child’s language skills are as well-developed as possible. Here are some of the ways music can help children with speech delays, and how you can use it to improve their speech.

1. Music boosts language learning

Research has shown that music can help children learn language skills. For example, singing songs can help your child’s speech development in several ways. First, it helps them to develop phonemic awareness which is the ability to hear and identify individual sounds in words. Second, it strengthens their memory and recall skills. Third, it improves their ability to produce the sounds of language. Fourth, it helps them to practice the timing and rhythm of speech. Fifth, it increases their motivation to communicate. Sixth, it provides a context for using new words and phrases. Seventh, it helps them to develop a love for language learning.

2. Music teaches communication

Singing songs is a fun way to help your child learn communication. It can also help with speech delays as when you sing with your child, they are learning how to communicate. This can help them in the future when they are trying to talk to other people. Additionally, music can help boost your child’s confidence. Hearing themselves sing can make them feel proud and more confident when speaking in front of others. 

3. Music can improve rhythm

When a child’s speech is delayed, teaching them rhythm through music can be a big help. By feeling the beat and moving to the music, children can learn to better control their bodies and make communication easier. To encourage their speech development, singing, dancing or even just listening to music together is a great place to start. There are many different benefits of incorporating music into your day. In addition to improving rhythm, it also increases focus and memory skills in children. 

4. Improve auditory skills

One way music can help your child’s speech is by improving their auditory skills. When children listen to music, they are training their brains to better process sound. This can help them discriminate between different sounds, which is an important skill for learning to speak. 

Additionally, music can improve your child’s memory and attention span, both of which are important for speech development. That’s why playing a certain song in the car or at home may make it easier for your child to focus on the tasks at hand. 

Another benefit of music is that it stimulates many areas of a child’s brain, including those that control hearing and speech. 

Speech delays can be a stressful development for a family to work through. However, there are things you can do like including music in your child’s day-to-day routine to help develop their speech – and have some fun and de-stress as a family at the same time 

Related Articles
Understanding baby communication & language
Should my baby be talking already?
When Do Babies Start Talking?