The Power of the Hello and Goodbye Song

Every week at Mini Mozarts we begin and end our sessions with the same hello and goodbye songs. Have you ever wondered why? It’s not because I can’t learn any others – when I started Mini Mozarts I had a few I rotated but I quickly learned that the SAME songs helped parents and caregivers in class because babies and young children THRIVE on routine and predictability. Having the same songs each week clearly signals to your little ones the beginning and end of the sessions, which in turn, helps our little ones understand what is expected of them and what is coming next. This sense of routine and predictability can help create a sense of security and comfort for young children.

One of my favourite moments in class is singing the hello song and babies recognising their own name – they make eye contact – so crucial for forming relationships and often smile or giggle. Our toddlers have an immense sense of anticipation waiting for their “turn” and they love joining with with our Tra la la’s! Their little smiles and wriggles show how excited they are to be in class and singing everyone’s name in turn enables them to form those very early friendships as they learn they are part of a much bigger unit of people outside of their family.

The songs have simple and repetitive lyrics and syllables that are easy for little ones to understand and learn – everybody joins in on Tra la la don’t they! Singing these songs exposes us to rhythm, melody, and language patterns from the moment class begins. These are also super important components of language development. The repetition of words and phrases in the songs helps build vocabulary, recognise familiar sounds, and learn basic social greetings – does your little one join in waving goodbye at the end of class?

The music, rhythm, and gentle actions associated with our songs can help create a positive association with our group setting - especially if little ones may be feeling anxious or uncertain in new environments – and we all feel like this at times! It gives us all chance to acclimatise and sets the tone for the rest of the session – which is why after every name is said we have a good shake or tap of our instruments for the class.

Babies and young children are naturally drawn to music and movement and engaging in these songs by playing along enhances their sensory-motor skills and coordination. Active participation also helps develop their attention span and focus – which when you have a newly mobile toddler is no mean feat!

Do you sing the hello and goodbye song at home? Check out my Facebook and Instagram reels to join in at home!