Nursery World - Children's songs

Every nursery will want at least one CD of children's songs. But when choosing I advise you to be very selective as, in general, the quality of music produced specifically for children is not high. It is also important to be clear on the distinction between 'nursery rhymes' - songs selected by adults to sing to children - and children's traditional songs, which are songs sung by children themselves. Children's traditional songs usually have simpler words and simpler melodies and are easier for them to grasp and sing themselves.

It is also important to be clear on the distinction between 'nursery rhymes' - songs selected by adults to sing to children - and children's traditional songs, which are songs sung by children themselves. Children's traditional songs usually have simpler words and simpler melodies and are easier for them to grasp and sing themselves.

The CD I have suggested for this month is by Pete Seeger. He sings these songs slowly and very clearly. The only accompaniment is his banjo and his voice is natural. Although described as American folk songs, many of them are originally from Britain.

Set up a listening station with a CD or cassette player and a selection of CDs or tapes. If the noise disturbs the rest of the nursery, it is possible to get 'splitters', to use with a number of headphones, so that two or more children can listen at the same time.

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