Abbey Park Toddler Group

Rhymes to Share at Home

A bouncing we will go,
A bouncing we will go,
Hi-ho the derry-o,
A bouncing we will go.
A rocking we will go…
A tickling we will go…

Why rhymes matter

Rhymes are essential for early development because they:

• help to strengthen the bonds between adults and babies
• develop early communication skills

• help babies tune into the sounds of the language used

• Repeat the rhyme, changing the actions to match those in the rhyme
• This rhyme can be sung to the tune of ‘The Farmer’s in his den’.
• The rhyme refers to ‘derry’. This is a meaningless word used in various popular songs and rhymes.
• Some versions of this rhyme include other actions such as ‘The arms go up and down’ and ‘The legs go back and forth’.

Ideas for extending the learning

• Repeat this rhyme a couple of times a day
• Emphasise the action words each time
• Slow down the rhyme to see if your child can anticipate the movements
• Introduce or revisit other action rhymes, such as ‘Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall’ and ‘Round and round the garden’
• Repeat the rhyme, changing the actions to match those in the rhyme
• Some versions of this rhyme include other actions such as ‘The arms go up and down’ and ‘The legs go back and forth’.

• Share baby books that incorporate fun actions. Well-known favourites include All Fall Down, Clap Hands and Tickle, Tickleby Helen Oxenbury
• encourage physical development

Tips for sharing baby rhymes

• Before sharing the rhyme, check how tired your baby might be feeling and match the rhyme to the baby’s level of tiredness
• Cuddle, smile and make eye contact while sharing rhymes
• Don’t rush rhymes. Say the words slowly.
• After introducing a new rhyme, be sure to repeat it frequently
• Share rhymes and any actions with parents and carers

Suggestions for sharing this rhyme

• Before sharing the rhyme, make sure that your baby is alert and happy
• Bring your baby onto your lap
• Gently bounce the baby in time to the words