THE POSITIVE POWER OF SUNG INSTRUCTIONS

Sung instructions work because they help children to listen, anticipate and follow a simple, predictable sequence of actions in daily routines such as tidying up, washing hands, meal time, road safety, bath time or bedtime. 

Sung instructions are much more effective than telling children what to do because Musical Play  and singing regulates, and arouses every part of the brain, activating memory.

Clear Instructional songs incorporate steady beat which supports the child moment by moment, thus regulating  the sequence of actions.  

Repetition is a key ingredient in instructional songs. Key phrases can be repeated effectively through song which keeps the brain alert and responsive to the musical form with its clear beginning, middle and end.

 Examples of an effective instructional song: 

This is the way we wash our hands

This is the way we wash our hands 

Wash them well with soap and water 

On a Monday morning, 

This is the way we dry our hands 

This is the way we dry our hands

Use a towel to dry your hands

On a Monday morning.   

Use a simple familiar song in the child’s pitch range (middle C- A ) ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star ‘incorporates these 6 notes. To the tune of ‘ Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ sing instructions that fit the rhythmic and melodic pattern of the song. 

Tidy up your toys today 

Tidy up your toys today 

Put them in the box this way

Put them in the box this way

Now you’ve put your toys away 

You have tidied up today ️ 

 The repetitive quality of the instructional song helps the children to remember each sequence of actions. Instructional songs can be readily used in every part of daily routines, children start to make up their own songs and such interactive singing helps to make daily routines playful and fun.

“Musical play can help children regulate their systems and encourage the calm attentiveness necessary for all learning”. 

Wylie & Foster- Cohen (2026) 

Reference:

Wylie, J. & Foster-Cohen,  S, (2026)  Unleashing the Power of Musical Play

A Guide to How and Why it Works.

Routledge