Songs and rhymes

Babies love songs and rhymes because they love listening to the adult’s different tone of voice. Rhymes and songs help to teach babies and toddlers about rhythm, rhyme and sequencing, all skills needed for talking, reading and learning. You can read our Singing booklet[pdf] 1MB

Try rhymes with actions and build up anticipation and excitement, such as “Round-and-round the garden”. Use gestures, actions and mimes that go along with the song. These can really help a child's talking and listening skills to develop.

Recordings are often too fast for young children to follow and join in with, so try singing the songs again after they have finished.