Fun fingers & action rhythms

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Indoor, on the Move, Outdoor

 

Arts & Crafts

Activity Summary

How to Play

This Little Piggy Went to Market — Touch each toe as you go, starting with the biggest and moving down the row. When you get to the word 'home,' tickle your baby all over. 'This little piggy went to market.' 'This little piggy stayed at home.' 'This little piggy had roast beef.' 'This little piggy had none.' 'And this little piggy cried, Wee, wee, wee! Wee, wee, wee! All the way home.'

Round and Round the Garden - Start by drawing an imaginary circle on your baby's tummy or the palm of a toddler's hand as you chant 'round and round.' Then with 'one step, two steps,' walk your fingers up their chest or arm, and then tickle them under the chin. 'Round and round the garden.' 'Like a teddy bear.' 'One step, two steps...' 'And tickle them under there!'

Jack in the Box - Show your baby how to cover his eyes and then say the first couple of lines in a low voice to set the mood. Add some anticipation with the third line, and then throw your hands up and shout out the last line. Your baby will love quietly waiting, waiting... and then popping up like a jack-in the-box. 'Jack in the box.' 'Sits so still.' 'Won't you come out?' 'Yes, I will!'

Row, Row, Row Your Boat - Sit down on the floor and settle your toddler in your lap so they're facing you. Hold both their hands with yours, and rock back and forth in time to the song. 'Row, row, row your boat.' 'Gently down the stream.' 'Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily.' 'Life is but a dream.'

Tricks & advice

When doing action ryhmes with a baby make sure their head and neck is supported.

Learning & growing

Singing and chanting are a powerful form of communication. Finger play, action rhymes and simple repetitive songs develop language and memory as your baby or toddler learns to anticipate, predict and attach words and meanings to actions.

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