Songs and rhymes

Song and rhyming ideas to uses when interacting with a child.

• Always start with a hello song
• Use the child’s name in songs
• Pick up on what the child is doing and label their action
• Use musical instruments to match the child’s actions, e.g. bang on a drum for jumping or stamping
• Repeat songs
• Make up your own songs to familiar tunes
• Include favourite tunes from the television
• Always finish with a goodbye song

Songs for following a child's lead

• What can we do with the ... (Tune: Drunken sailor)
• This is the way we go round the mulberry bush (Tune: Mulberry bush)
• Let’s all jump/tap together

Songs to build anticipation

• Round and round the garden
• Put this hat upon your head
• This little piggy
  

Songs for interaction

• Row, row, row your boat
• Bouncing up and down on my little red tractor (Tune: In and out the dusky bluebells)
  

Action songs

• Roly poly, roly poly, up and down
• Open, shut them
• Wind the bobbin up
• Head, shoulders, knees and toes
• If you’re happy and you know it
• Songs with changes in pace, rhythm or volume
  • Row, row, row your boat
  • Round and round
• Songs for calming down and soothing
  • Stroking N’s cheek
  • Twinkle, twinkle