Choose for language as well as music
Cambridge English’s song guidance recommends songs children enjoy, with clear language and a manageable pace. Its suggestions include listening, reading the words and singing along.
Listen yourself before using a song. If you cannot make out the words, it may be a poor choice for a word-listening task even if the tune is appealing. Check that the subject and images suit your child.
Give the listening a small purpose
For an original home activity, draw two simple pictures linked to words in the song you have chosen. Ask your child to point to a picture when they hear its word. You can listen once without a task first, then try the pictures on another play.
Keep any printed lyrics on the provider’s own page or use material you have permission to reproduce. You do not need to copy a whole song into a worksheet to use a couple of picture prompts.
Notice what singing does not show
Joining in with a familiar chorus and explaining its meaning are different responses. If meaning is your focus, ask about a picture or action connected to the song rather than treating accurate singing as proof of understanding.
The next activity could use one of the same words in an ordinary sentence or a drawing. This gives you a chance to hear the word outside the song. For another listening format, see choosing a video activity.