Nancy Stewart

In conjunction with my current library programs teaching phonological awareness, I have been having great success with this very simple song. For more information read my "Sing Into Reading" page and visit The National Association for the Education of Young Children, which has an excellent website with many resources, including excellent information on phonological awareness.

Although this is a very simple song, it engages children immediately, as they identify the pictures, the beginning letters, and the sounds they make. I recommend you sing this song without the music, so you can let the children lead you in tempo, and so you can stop and talk about the letters and pictures in between pages. I use this song with children five and under.

Apple and An Ant

Apple and an ant, apple and ant
Apple and an ant, apple and ant

Baby and the frog, baby and the frog
Baby and the frog, baby and the frog

The cat and the cow, the cat and the cow
The cat and the cow, the cat and the cow

Dog and duck, dog and duck
Dog and duck, dog and duck

Flower and the fish, flower and the fish
Flower and the fish, flower and the fish

How to use this song

1. Print out the pictures to use in the song. Punch holes and place in a 3-ring binder, placing each set of words beginning with the same letter on facing pages, so both can be viewed at the same time.

2. Point to each word as you sing it, making sure not to sing faster than the children can.

3. Add your own pictures and words, depending on what letters you are introducing or reinforcing.

4. With older children (4 and up), ask the question at the bottom of each page. They love this!