Recalling Safety Information with Music

What letter comes before G in the alphabet? Chances are, you probably started singing the “ABCs” to answer that question! Music is used as a tool all over the world to help children learn academic information (Schoolhouse Rock, anyone?) Did you know music can also be used to help keep kids safe? Music is a great way to help kids memorize important safety information – like their parent’s name, home address, or their phone number. 

Click HERE for a song from our music therapist, to the tune of Frère Jacques, that can be used to teach kids their parent’s phone number! 

You can also create your own safety information songs for other information you would like to teach your child! Here are some tips and tricks: 

Choosing a Tune: Use tunes that are already familiar! Here are a few suggestions:

• • Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
  • I’m a Little Teapot
  • Happy Birthday
  • If You’re Happy and You Know It
  • B-I-N-G-O

Writing Lyrics

• Do:
  • Keep it simple
  • Make it repetitive

• Don’t:
  • Add a lot of extra information, stick to just what they need to know.
  • Worry about it being a masterpiece – have fun and be silly with it! 

Why Does Music Help Memory?

• The structure of a song helps us to remember not only the information, but what order it goes in. 
• Music is easily ingrained in our memory – think about how often you get songs “stuck in your head!”
• Music “wakes up” different parts of the brain, helping to solidify information as it is learned.
• Linking rhythm and melody to safety information helps children to recall those facts later!

For more music fun, check us out on social media!

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