Copy Cat Songs
Parent sings or chants a simple song while doing repetitive hand movements and watches whether the child joins in — clapping to a beat, moving hands up and down, or swaying side to side in imitation. Covers movement imitation milestones at 12-18mo. Three phases: clapping beat, hands-up-down imitation, and side-to-side follow.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Face child on the floor or in a lap/high chair. Pick a very familiar song — one you sing regularly. If child is in a high chair, that's fine — arm movements are visible. Keep tempo slow.
How it works
- 1~30s
Start clapping slowly to a familiar song — 'If You're Happy and You Know It' or 'Twinkle Twinkle' — and clap loudly so your child can hear the beat. Keep going for about 20-30 seconds. Does your child try to clap too? Do their hands come together — even just one clap or a miss? Tell me what you see.
Watch for: Child claps hands together in response to a rhythmic song
- 2~30s
Pause the clapping. Now slowly raise both hands up high — 'hands UP!' — then slowly bring them down to your lap — 'hands DOWN!' — and repeat 3-4 times, saying the words clearly. Does your child copy the up-down motion? Even just one hand? Tell me.
Watch for: Child moves hands up and down following adult's lead
- 3~25s
Now try side-to-side arm swaying — arms out, sway left, sway right, slow and exaggerated. Try 'Row Row Row Your Boat' or just hum while swaying. Does your child copy the side-to-side motion? Sway whole body or just arms? Tell me.
Watch for: Child moves arms or body side to side following adult's movement