Linguistic development

Definition of linguistic : The study of the nature, structure, and variation of language, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, sociolinguistics, and pragmatics. Linguistic development is dependent not only upon mental development, but also on the physical development of the speech mechanisms, including the tongue and vocal cords. Exposure and interaction are critical to language acquisition. Rhymes & songs can help children to develop oral language skills Songs and poetry is easy to incorporate into everyday activities

How songs and poetry can help in improving linguistic development?

Poetry is an effective way to encourage language development because of its simplicity and brevity of thought. You can convey a lot with a few words. In order to scaffold the various sounds in a language and help children make the connection that these sounds actually make meaning, rhymes are helpful. Children learn the form of a language through the rhymes and patterns that they can repeat. Through rhymes they begin to recognize and transfer these meanings into language use in other areas.

Songs and poetry helps children pay attention to the sounds, patterns of language and encourages vocabulary Mainly poetry for young children is words put together in a somewhat meaningful string so the patterns in the sentence will help children develop and remember the oral language. Poetry for young children is meant to be read aloud, sung-along, and repeated often. They are, simply put, exercises for the tongue, that later connect to complex patterns of meaning-making in the brain.

Example : Song : Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

Head, shoulders, knees and toes, Knees and toes. Head, shoulders, knees and toes, Knees and toes. And eyes, and ears, and mouth, And nose. Head, shoulders, knees and toes, Knees and toes.
From the song, children can improve their pronunciation of the words because of the repetition in the song. Plus, children love repetition.

Aesthetic development
Definition : an awareness and appreciation of the natural beauty found in art, movement music and life Involves the love and pursuit of beauty as found in art, movement, music and life Aesthetic development happens when children : 1. Links knowing and feeling 2. Being able to show appreciation

How songs and poetry can help in improving aesthetic development?

In songs and poetry, there are many interesting story that can
stimulate the children s feelings. Music is another means of expression which interests children and gives them endless enjoyment and emotional satisfaction. Children love to sing, dance, take part in role play and make music. When they learn songs and poetry, they will listen and respond and try to make their own songs or poem. Children will develop their creative skills and aesthetic appreciation through songs and poetry activities. They can develop an awareness of different sounds, pitch and rhythm, and create their own sounds.

Example : Poem : Humpty's Big Fall Humpty Dumpty sat in a tree. Humpty Dumpty got stung by a bee. He fell out and hit his head, and now he thinks his name is "Fred.

Activities : 1. Role play - children can be in Humpty s character and they will feel the story in the poem and enjoy being childlike. 2. Play-doh creations of Humpty- they will be more creative in creating Humpty by their own.