Rhyme Time: Celebrate Spring

Posted on March 26, 2013 by Lauren

The calendar says it is spring, but the weather still feels a lot like winter. Anticipate warmer days (and one of my kids’ favorite outdoor activities – digging in the dirt) with this fun rhyme, paired with books about springtime if you like!

Plant A Little Seed
I plant a little seed in the cold, cold ground (Squat down and pretend to plant)
Out comes the yellow sun, big and round (Put arms above head like sun)
Down come the raindrops soft and slow (Wiggle fingers down to make rain)
Up comes the flower – grow, grow, grow (jump up like a flower emerging)

The library has many books that beautifully illustrate the anticipation of this season of growth, warmth and all things green. Continue reading →

Rhyme Time: Bounces!

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Angela

If the weather reports for today are accurate, many of you may be stuck indoors with your wee ones. You can make fun and productive use of the time with these bouncy rhymes! You will provide entertainment and encourage literacy at the same time, since playing with sounds will reinforce your child’s phonological awareness.

Higgledy, Piggledy, Pop
Higgledy, piggledy, pop!
The dog has eaten the mop.
The pig’s in a hurry,
The cat’s in a flurry,
Higgledy, piggledy, pop!

Acka Backa (not only do you get to play with sounds and words, but you also get a great hug!)
Acka backa soda cracker, acka backa boo!
Acka backa soda cracker, I love you! (give a hug)
Acka backa soda cracker, acka backa boo!
Acka backa soda cracker, up goes you! (lift child)
Acka backa soda cracker, acka backa boo!
Acka backa soda cracker, I love you! (give a hug)

Check out other indoor play ideas from DBRL Kids.

Rhyme Time: Gray Squirrel

Posted on October 2, 2012 by Angela

Fall is here! There is no better way to celebrate the new season than with a song about the critters you think of most during this time: squirrels.

Gray Squirrel

Gray squirrel, gray squirrel
(Hands like a squirrel.)
Swish your bushy tail.
(Swish your tail.)
Gray squirrel, gray squirrel
(Hands like a squirrel.)
Swish your bushy tail.
(Swish your tail.) Continue reading →

Rhyme Time: The Grand Old Duke of York

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Jerilyn

Looking for a rhyme that’s fun for your preschool child and your baby? “The Grand Old Duke of York” works for all ages. When you lift the baby up and down, she adds these concepts to her vocabulary. Moving with the rhyme allows your preschooler to work on his gross motor skills. Change the speed and see how fast or slow you can move up and down. Be prepared for plenty of giggles.

The Grand Old Duke of York

The Grand Old Duke of York,
He had ten thousand men.
He marched them up to the top of the hill,
And he marched them down again.
And when you’re up, you’re up,
And when you’re down, you’re down.
And when you’re only halfway up,
You’re neither up nor down. Continue reading →

Rhyme Time: Hickory Dickory Dock

Posted on August 2, 2012 by Angela

Reading nursery rhymes to your kiddo is fun. Your child gets to learn something that you probably learned from your parents that they learned from their parents and so on. Now, it’s time to take nursery rhymes to the next level. Add some movements so it’s even more fun to say it over and over again!

Hickory dickory dock,
The mouse ran up the clock.
The clock struck one,
The mouse ran down,
Hickory dickory dock.

Additional verses:
Two…and down he flew,
Three…the mouse went “Whee!”
Four…the mouse said, “No more!”

You can take turns with your child being the clock and the mouse. First, the clock stands tall while the mouse runs his or her hands up the clock. Add a favorite stuffed animal to play the part of the mouse and heighten the excitement! Just a word of caution: this may tickle!