Up above the world so high, Like a diamond in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle little star How I wonder what you are.
It's really important to re-visit simple, popular traditional rhymes with young children. It can help them make connections between their home experiences and those in a group setting. 'Twinkle, Twinkle' is often quoted as the most familiar rhyme with the largest number of children aged three.
Rhyme time - sharing the rhyme with children Introduce the rhyme to the children and encourage them to join in and to observe the actions which accompany the words and try them out themselves.
It is worth considering using some of the 'Makaton' signs which support children with limited expressive language. These can be used with all children and practitioners can find out more at www.makaton.org.
Chant the rhyme again, with the children joining in all the actions: Twinkle, twinkle - wiggle fingers in the air Little - hold hand up with thumb and first finger close together Wonder - hold hand to forehead and raise eyebrows World - draw a globe in the air with hands Diamond - make a diamond shape with both hands Extension idea Use the rhyme as a starting point for exploring shiny resources. Give the children a collection of stars, metallic decorations and 'treasure' such as necklaces, earrings and bangles. Consider adding glitter, sequins and small sequin stars to the dry sand or play dough. When engaging in the activities, introduce and reinforce descriptive language such as shiny, glittery, metallic, shimmering, sparkly, glossy, gleaming, glistening, dazzling.
The Makaton Nursery Rhyme DVD with Dave Benson Phillips is widely available; the DVD and song booklet are also available from Makaton.
