Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Taking turns with music can be a fun and natural way to support a child’s early communication skills. Songs, actions and familiar routines create repeated opportunities for children to listen, respond, anticipate what comes next and participate in back-and-forth interactions.
Turn-taking is an important foundation for communication because conversations involve sharing attention and giving another person an opportunity to respond. Children can begin developing these skills before they use spoken words, through sounds, movements, gestures, eye gaze or other forms of communication.
How can music support turn-taking and communication?
Music can create natural opportunities for children to practise turn-taking, listening and responding. Familiar songs often have predictable rhythms, repeated words and pauses, which can help children anticipate what comes next and recognise when it is their turn to participate.
Rhythm is closely connected with the way we process speech and language. Research has found links between musical rhythm skills and aspects of language development, including phonological awareness, grammar and language processing.
Songs that include actions, gestures and repeated phrases can also support shared attention and interaction between a child and an adult. A child might participate by looking, moving, making a sound, completing an action or joining in with a familiar word or phrase.
The aim is not to make singing a formal lesson. Instead, music can provide an enjoyable and predictable setting where children can practise the back-and-forth pattern that underpins everyday communication.
How can I practise taking turns with music at home?
You do not need special equipment to practise taking turns with music. Familiar songs, simple instruments and everyday objects can all create opportunities for back-and-forth interaction.
Start with a song your child already enjoys. Sing part of the song, then pause briefly and give your child time to respond. Their response might be a word, sound, movement, gesture, eye gaze or action. When they respond, continue the song so they can experience the pattern of my turn, your turn.
You can also take turns using a musical instrument such as a drum, shaker or tambourine. Play for a few seconds, then offer your child a turn. Keep the interaction simple and predictable, especially when the activity is new.
Try using repetitive songs with clear actions or pauses. Songs such as Row, Row, Row Your Boat, If You’re Happy and You Know It or other familiar family songs can make it easier for children to anticipate when it is their turn to join in.
Follow your child’s interests and communication style. If they prefer movement, you might take turns clapping, tapping or dancing. If they use AAC, signs or gestures, these can also be included naturally in the activity.
Avoid physically moving your child’s hands or body through an action unless this is part of an agreed therapeutic strategy. Instead, model the action, offer the instrument or activity, and give your child time and choice about how they participate.
Tip: Keep the activity short and enjoyable. A few successful turns are often more useful than continuing until your child loses interest.
Let your child lead the interaction
Children are often more engaged when an activity follows their interests. During music activities, watch what your child enjoys and use their responses to guide what happens next.
If your child chooses a particular song, instrument, movement or sound, join in and take turns around that interest. For example, your child might tap a drum, then pause while you copy the same rhythm. You can then wait to see whether they respond with another sound or action.
Following your child’s lead can create more natural opportunities for shared attention, turn-taking and back-and-forth communication. It also helps keep the activity enjoyable rather than making it feel like a task.
Remember that participation can look different for every child. Some children may sing or use words, while others may respond through movement, eye gaze, facial expression, gestures, sounds or AAC. All of these can be meaningful ways of joining the interaction.
The goal is connection and shared interaction, not perfect performance.
When might Speech Pathology help?
Some children may need additional support to develop turn-taking, social communication, language or other interaction skills.
A Speech Pathologist can look at how your child communicates during play and everyday activities and identify practical strategies that match their strengths, needs and interests. Support may include developing attention to others, understanding and using language, taking turns in interaction, or using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) where appropriate.
At Innerlink Therapy, our Speech Pathologists work with children and families to support meaningful communication skills that can be used at home, school and in the community
If you are concerned about your child’s communication or would like practical strategies to support interaction at home, contact Innerlink Therapy to discuss whether Speech Pathology may be appropriate for your child
Frequently Asked Questions
How does music help children practise taking turns? Music creates a predictable back-and-forth pattern. Familiar songs, rhythms and pauses can help children recognise when it is their turn to respond through a word, sound, movement, gesture, eye gaze or other form of communication.
What are good songs for practising turn-taking? Simple, repetitive songs with clear actions or pauses often work well. Examples include Row, Row, Row Your Boat, If You’re Happy and You Know It and other familiar songs your child enjoys. The specific song matters less than keeping the interaction predictable and enjoyable.
What if my child does not use spoken words? A child does not need spoken words to take part in a musical interaction. They may participate through movement, facial expression, gestures, eye gaze, vocalisations, signs, pictures or AAC. These responses can all be meaningful forms of communication.
How long should I practise taking turns with music? Keep activities short and enjoyable. A few successful turns may be more useful than continuing until your child loses interest. You can repeat the activity at different times during the week rather than making it a long practice session.
When should I speak with a Speech Pathologist? You may consider speaking with a Speech Pathologist if your child has difficulty with communication, interaction, turn-taking, understanding or using language, or participating in everyday social situations. A Speech Pathologist can assess your child’s communication and suggest strategies suited to their individual needs.