Fill in the Song
Parent sings familiar songs and pauses before key words, waiting for child to fill in the gap. Observes whether child vocalises on cue, fills in words vs. just sounds, and whether child spontaneously continues songs unprompted. Four rounds across two different songs, ending with open freestyle invitation.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Think of 2 familiar songs (e.g. Twinkle Twinkle, Wheels on the Bus, Old MacDonald, Head Shoulders Knees and Toes, Row Row Row Your Boat, or any local nursery song). No materials needed.
How it works
- 1~15s
Start singing the first song. When you get to a keyword near the end of a phrase, pause and wait 3 seconds — in silence. For example: 'Twinkle twinkle little ___.' Don't look expectant; just pause naturally. Tell me what your child does.
Watch for: Child vocalises or fills in word on pause
- 2~40s
Same song — now pause at 2-3 different spots throughout. Don't pause in the same place as before. Let your child fill in what comes where. Tell me: how many pauses did your child respond to? Did they fill in the right words?
Watch for: Child fills in multiple words across a song
- 3~40s
Switch to your second song. Does your child respond to this one the same way? Or better or worse? Tell me the song you picked and what happened.
Watch for: Child fills in words in a second different song
- 4~20s
Last one — ask your child: 'Can you sing me a song? Any song you like.' Then wait. Don't suggest. Just see if your child initiates a song on their own. Tell me what happens.
Watch for: Child spontaneously initiates a song