The Gift of Bilingual Music
For parents raising bilingual kids, using music to reinforce a love of our language and heritage is old news. Music is such an important aspect of our cultures, so of course Latina moms are using it when raising their bilingual babies. But did you know you're enhancing their development as well? New moms know the value of classical music, but your favorite bilingual records are working hard too!
Manitas in Motion
Created by Cuban language pathologist Gloria Rojas, Manitas in Motion and their debut CD, “Chakuchukuchá,” uses the enticing beats of Latin rhythms to promote social connectedness and literacy. “Chakuchukuchá” will have you salsa dancing with your baby in arms to the alphabet, colors and animals. And with half the CD in Spanish and the other in English, this resource is great for bilingual families.
To buy: Manitas in Motion, $15
Sweet, Simple: Music With Sara
Possibly my toddler’s most beloved bilingual resource, “Music With Sara” is an uncomplicated instructional tool that facilitates Spanish learning through repetition of short, often silly, Spanish phrases. Sara’s endearing voice reminds me of a mother’s loving tone. “Music With Sara” tunes encourage engagement from kids of all ages—even the big kids! Offered as digital album, you can enjoy 18 tracks with a quick and inexpensive download.
To buy: "Music With Sara," $5
Bilingual Music For The Whole Family
Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band was People Magazine’s No.1 Cool Kid Album of the Year, and we can totally understand why. The all-Spanish CD, “Fantastico,” caters to hip parents and was released on Cinco de Mayo with plenty of songs for the whole family to enjoy. Music can only developmentally benefit your child and their language skills if you are consistency exposing them to it. Parents of bilingual niños can agree—“Fantastico” won’t make that feel like a chore.
To buy: "Fantastico," $8
Drift Into Latin Dreamland
Whether it’s for bedtime or just to relax your little one, music has the amazing power of creating calm. Essential for babies—who are developing sensory understanding of the world around them and attachment to caregivers—setting a routine of familiar relaxing tunes is perfect for drifting into dreamland. My oldest child loved Putumayo’s Latin Dreamland and would fall into a relaxed state at the first sound of the soothing melodies.
To buy: "Latin Dreamland," $15
¡Ay Caramba!
Jose-Luis Orozco is a beloved bilingual educator that has made entertaining children 8 and younger an art form. With his new CD presenting the Caramba Kids, Jose Luis brings true bilingual education to your child with positive messaging of hope, acceptance and perseverance. ¡Si se puede!
To buy: "Caramba Kids," $9
Learning with WhistleFritz
The fun-loving mouse is back with a bilingual CD with easy-to-follow phrases and a native accent. Sung by Jorge Anaya, my daughter loves to connect the songs of this CD with her beloved furry character, WhistleFritz. Perfect for kids of all ages, the vocals in this CD are clear, providing beginning learners a grasp and chance to firmly develop their language skills.
To buy: "Cha Cha Cha," $9
Una Canción de Cuna y Muy Cubana
If there’s any power in music, in terms of our development in personal identity, it’s connecting us with our past. Within seconds, a song can transport us to when we were kids. A song can define our heritage and culture. And even without speaking the language, music can connect us to our roots. Such is my experience with a classical Cuban composer, Leo Brouwer, and his “Canción de Cuna.” So important, in fact, that it was the song I walked down the aisle to meet my now-husband at the altar. I play it often for my children so that it becomes a part of their identities as well.
To buy: "Canción de Cuna," $1
Vamos, Let’s Go!
Awarded as CD of the Year from Creative Kids Magazine, Moona Luna’s “Vamos, Let’s Go” continues a legacy of upbeat Latin tunes with bilingual lyrics. Keeping things fun helps your young learners stay motivated to improve their bilingual development. The Moona Luna band is on tour throughout the year so be sure to check the site for concerts coming near you!
To buy: "Vamos, Let's Go!" $9
Duérmete, Mi Niño
The classic lullaby that so many bilingual kids are used to being sung to sleep by is one that certainly helps develop bilingual skills.Though not commonly known, the song has more verses than most are aware of. I sing this song to both my babies to soothe them from a hectic day and prepare them for slumber. Nothing beats a mother's tender, loving voice singing the classic Latino lullaby to her newborn, as he quietly drifts asleep. The moment is truly one of bonding, where developments of many magnitudes are fostered simply from the melody of a mother's voice.
To buy: "Duérmete, Mi Niño," $1
RELATED: Spanish Lullabies
