Action Songs and Rhymes
To build confidence and body control through participating in familiar action songs and nursery rhymes.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Personal, Social & Emotional
- Learning area: Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Joins in with familiar songs
- Anticipates actions
- Requests favourite songs
- Shows confidence in group
Materials
- Song visual aids
- Props for songs
- Open space
- Musical instruments
Instructions
SINGING REGULARLY: Include action songs throughout the day. Familiarity builds confidence. Babies who hear songs repeatedly begin to anticipate actions and join in.
CELEBRATING PARTICIPATION: Any level of participation is valid: watching, swaying, attempting actions, vocalising. 'You're doing the actions! Your hands are going round and round!'
BUILDING REPERTOIRE: Start with simple songs (Twinkle Twinkle, Row Row Row Your Boat) and gradually add more complex ones. Let children choose favourites: 'Which song shall we sing?'
CONNECTING TO CONFIDENCE: Link singing to self-concept: 'You're such a good singer! You remembered all the actions! You knew exactly what to do!' Build identity as a capable person.