The secret is in the simplicity of each of Ms. Rachel’s videos.
Accurso uses some of the same techniques speech therapists use to assist in language development including repetition, pauses, sign and body language, as well as something called “parentese.” which uses tone and tempo to keep an infant or child’s attention and promote speech.
Ms. Rachel also speaks slowly, enthusiastically, and she enunciates words with videos showing close-ups of her mouth.
She does all of this from her one-bedroom Brooklyn apartment, and sometimes on location at farms, playgrounds, and parks.
Speech Therapists Sing Ms. Rachel’s Praises
Ms. Rachel’s tactics in “Songs For Littles,” have speech and language advocates championing her on social media.
“She uses all the right techniques,” one said in a TikTok video giving Ms. Rachel her stamp of approval. “This is as good as screen time’s gonna get.”
In addition to her line of picture books, Ms. Rachel will also launch a new line of early-learning toys this fall.
“It’s something I’ve dreamed of, making toys that really help children with development and allow parents and children to use things they’ve learned from the show, like games and songs and the research-based techniques,” Accurso told Parents.
The toys are designed to help children strengthen their essential sensory, motor, cognitive, social/emotional and communication skills.
As for what to expect, Accurso says there will be plenty of familiarities to the show, including a Ms. Rachel doll and a Herbie stuffy as part of the first drop. A set of developmentally-friendly blocks with letters on them, as well as objects to count, shapes, and colors, are also expected to be a part of the initial launch.
