Songs & finger rhymes – Playgroup

The more familiar the rhyme, the more the children at playgroup will enjoy joining in.

Did you know?

Singing and music at playgroup is a great way to help children socialize, and develop language and memory skills. Children of all ages can join in.

For very young or quieter children, having a “song bag” for each child to choose a song can be helpful ie have a variety of props in a bag that can be linked to a song e.g. toy duck – 3 Little Ducks, toy bus – The Wheels on the Bus, Teapot – I’m a Little Teapot etc. Each child chooses an item from the bag and everyone sings a song that goes with that item.

Add language

Watching older children singing songs catches babies and toddlers attention and helps them to join in with sounds or words.

Other development

Dancing to music helps develop children’s spatial awareness, balance and coordination skills.

Songs can also help develop social skills. Joining hands to dance around in a circle, looking at each other, learning to work as a group, or taking turns to do an action for everyone to copy are great ways to build social skills and a sense of belonging.

Variations

Musical statues is a wonderful game at playgroup for body awareness, listening skills, motor planning, and concentration skills.

Songs using a parachute can be a fun way to draw children together at the end of playgroup.

Across the ages

All the activities listed on our “Play Ideas” page can be applied across different age groups. Check out songs and finger rhymes for babies, toddlers and children.

Activities listed under “playgroup” are suitable for groups of children of various ages. They provide opportunities for early learning and social play.