EYFS Activities - Birth to two…counting rhymes

Both babies and toddlers enjoy different types of rhymes, including counting rhymes. It may seem early to introduce counting to babies and toddlers, but surprisingly, research shows that babies in their first year are able to distinguish between quantities. We also know that children are learning language quickly, and so simple counting rhymes are likely to be very appealing to the under-twos.

WHEN AND HOW

Counting rhymes can be very simple, and some of the best ones for the under-twos involve numbers under five. It is worth looking out for rhymes that are not complicated and that have some visual component. A good example of this is Two Little Dicky Birds, where the two index fingers are used as the birds.

• Learn the words and actions to a simple counting rhyme that has numbers under five.

• Choose a time when the baby or toddler is not tired and is content.

• Say or sing the rhyme with the baby on your lap or with a toddler close by.

• Using your voice and eyes, emphasise the rhyme’s key part.

• Repeat the rhyme, but do so slowly and encourage the child to join in.

• Use the rhyme several times in the following days. Observe whether the child is starting to anticipate the actions or the words.

DEVELOPMENTAL BENEFITS

Rhymes of all types are important in helping babies and toddlers acquire language. They are also great ways of stimulating thought as well as building up relationships. Counting rhymes can also build an early interest and confidence in linking numbers to quantities. Some rhymes such as Two Little Dicky Birds can also give opportunities for babies to watch how objects that go out of sight are still in existence. This concept is called object permanence.

Counting rhymes:

• develop language as children learn to link words to actions and also objects (language)

• help children develop an early sense of number as it is the focus of rhyme (mathematics)

• provide opportunities for children’s auditory discrimination as children hear rhymes and sounds in words (language)

• support co-ordination when children start to anticipate and enjoy the actions (physical)

• support children’s attachments with their key person and other children (emotional).

NEXT STEPS

Once you have established a counting rhyme, you might like to look out for a book that contains it so babies and toddlers can see the images that link to the rhyme. You can also use simple props with toddlers. If, for example, you have used the rhyme ‘Five little ducks when swimming one day’, you could put out five rubber ducks in a small amount of water for the children to explore.

WHAT TO OBSERVE

There are several aspects of development that are worth observing:

Anticipation of actionsMost counting rhymes have actions. Watch out for babies and toddlers who are anticipating the next action.

Noticing quantities Some rhymes involve animals flying away or coming back. Watch out for understanding of what has happened.

Vocalisations Listen for any vocalisations babies and toddlers make during or after the rhyme. Can you recognise what they are trying to copy?

Confidence Look out for signs of increased confidence as babies and toddlers cheekily interrupt.

HOME LEARNING

Many parents may not know that linking words to quantities in fun, practical ways is an important part of early mathematical learning. While some parents will know a few counting rhymes, others may have forgotten, so it is worth giving some examples that they can use at home. For parents whose children will become bilingual, it is also letting them know how valuable it is for their children to hear the words for language in their home language, and that this will not confuse them in any way.

A word of caution, though; while counting rhymes are a great first step, do make sure parents understand that children’s mathematical journey is quite complex and they need a lot of practical experiences before they are ready for any formal mathematics.

RHYME TIME

There are many counting rhymes that can be used with babies. You might like to try out this classic one, Two Little Dicky Birds – it is a great first rhyme to use with babies and toddlers as it has easy actions:

Two little dicky birds sitting on the wall.

One named Peter, the other named Paul.

Fly away Peter, fly away Paul.

Come back Peter, come back Paul.

To hear the rhyme and see the actions, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3u6Gw2_X6c.

BOOK TIME

There are plenty of picture books that illustrate counting rhymes. Look out for Five Little Ducks by Penny Ives as it is a sturdy cardboard book that is beautifully illustrated (published by Child’s Play International).

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