AIRS 3rd Annual Meeting: 2013

Title: Songs from the crib: What parents and educators can learn from toddlers' private presleep vocalizations
Authors: Meryl Sole (Department of Music & Music Education, Teacher's College, Columbia
University, NY), Lori Custodero (Department of Music Education, Teacher's College, Columbia
University, NY)

Abstract

This poster presentation addresses types and functions of private pre-sleep vocalizations of 9
toddlers (ages 18-36 months). Between the initial interviews with the 8 families and follow-up
interviews 5-6 weeks later, the parents observed their child at home twice a week for 4
consecutive weeks. When the child was alone at bedtime, the parents completed a written
observation and reflection form (PORF) describing and contextualizing what they heard on a
minute-by-minute basis for the first 15 minutes of each session. Additionally, the parents
collected audio recordings of the 8 sessions using a voice recorder or smartphone that they
placed inside the child’s room. The researcher is currently reviewing transcripts from the
interviews, field notes, PORFs and audio recordings to investigate describe and understand the
toddlers’ solitary spontaneous vocalizations. Preliminary results show that some of the toddlers
use solitary spontaneous singing at bedtime as a way to self-soothe, play, reflect, experiment
and understand their own worlds. Some of the parents have indicated that participation in the
study has impacted their attitudes, awareness and practices.