While reading the wonderful Good Night, Sleep Tight by Mem Fox, I was reminded of some rhymes from my childhood. This Little Piggy (went to market), Pat A Cake Pat A Cake (bakers man), Round and Round The Garden (like a teddy bear) are such wonderful rhymes they are now a part of our bedtime routine. I started thinking of other rhymes, finger plays and action songs from my childhood that my children (Caspar 5 and Otis 19 months) would like. In addition to those mentioned my childhood favourites that are now favourites of my children include;

• Five Little Monkeys (jumping on the bed)
• Five Little Ducks (went out one day)
• Open, Shut Them, Open, Shut Them (give a little clap)
• Incy Wincy Spider (goes up the water spout)
• Heads and Shoulders (knees and toes)
• Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
• Row, Row, Row Your Boat
• If You Are Happy and You Know It (clap your hands)
• I'm a Little Tea Pot (short and stout)
• The Wheels on the Bus (go round and round)

I also remember Dem Bones, Dem Bones but had to look up the words. Caspar loves Five Little Monkeys (swinging in a tree) which he learnt at school. I'm sure there are millions of benefits in introducing rhyme and finger play into our daily lives but most of all I find it a great way of spending time together and it always ends in laughter. 

Are these rhymes familiar to you? Please feel free to join in and mention your favourite rhymes, finger plays or action songs or those your children or students love.