Rhymes for a Reason

Repetition of words is the first step toward recognizing patterns in math — so start singing!

Learning benefits:
• supports language development
• encourages pattern recognition

What you need:
• no supplies needed

What to do:
Sing or chant these songs to your baby — each one has accompanying movements, too.

1. Roll over, roll over
Lay your baby on his back and gently roll him from side to side as you sing or chant these words. An older baby may enjoy acting out the song with several stuffed animals or dolls. (A younger one will simply enjoy their company.) You can begin the song with any number. End it with a hug and a kiss!

There were [three] on the bed
And [baby's name] said,
"Roll over, roll over."
[Gently roll your baby from side to side.]
So they all rolled over and
one fell out.
[Repeat the gentle rolling motion.]
There were [two] on the bed
And [baby's name] said,
"Roll over, roll over."
So they all rolled over
and one fell out.
There was one on the bed
And no one said, "Roll
over, roll over."

2. I caught a fish alive
Older babies will enjoy this song that introduces numbers and uses entertaining hand motions. For added fun, make fish shapes from construction paper and use them to play out the actions.

One, two, three, four, five
[Hold hand in a fist, bringing up one finger at a time as you count to five.]
I caught a fish alive.
[Grab a pretend fish.]
Six, seven, eight, nine, ten
[Continue holding up fingers as you count.]
I threw it back again!
[Pretend to throw the fish back into the sea.]
Why did I let it go?
[Hold hands up shoulder height to show inquiry.]
Because it bit my finger so!
Which finger did it bite?
The little pinky on the right. [Hold up pinky on the right.]
Mmm! All better!
[Kiss baby's pinky.]

3. Open shut them
Sit your baby facing you and recite these words while doing the motions with your hands. You can clap your hands or take your child's hands in yours. During the second section of the chant, walk your fingers up your baby's tummy to his chin. Finally, open your mouth wide, put your fingers next to your mouth, and then quickly hide your hands behind your back. After hearing the rhyme a few times, babies between eight and 12 months old will start imitating the gestures.

Open, shut them
Open, shut them
Give a little clap, clap, clap
Open, shut them
Open, shut them
Place them on your
lap, lap, lap
Creep them, crawl them
Creep them, crawl them
Right up to your chin, chin,
Open wide your little mouth
But...do not let them in!

For more tips to get your child reading and rhyming visit Pam at Usborne Books online.