The Rhymes for Rhythm

When you and Baby are ready during the early weeks after birth, begin simply and slowly (e.g. with Pat-a-cake, as seen on the video demonstration). Then by 3 to 4 months Baby will be ready for 'full on' fun as she waits in excitement, ready for this little piggy to go Wee Wee Wee Wee Wee Wee all the way home! So, take your time during the early months to build on your repertoire and your expressiveness as you get tapping, clapping, tickling and knee jogging. With your repetition of the rhymes, Baby will share in the fun and within no time you will have your 'list of favourites' for playtime.

As you listen to the recordings, you will hear the pausing on certain words. With repetition, this technique builds on Baby's sense of anticipation/excitement and acts as 'cue' for her, such as knowing when she is about to be tickled! Baby is also learning about herself through the words and your actions e.g. about where her tummy is, and, that she has little toes that can touch Mummy's/Daddy's nose as in Two little hands go clap, clap, clap. So simply use the words of the rhymes to guide your actions and expressions.

Note for Knee Jogging rhymes: As demonstrated on the video demonstration of Cliperty Clop, during the early weeks of development Baby needs to be cradled in your lap as you slowly and gently use a rocking movement for accompaniment. By 3 to 4 months you will be able to support Baby in a sitting position on your lap to play giddy-up and then by 6 months onwards Baby will really be able to 'ride the horse'. The rhythmical beat of these rhymes also helps with the 'get up and go' trotting and dancing actions around the room with Baby. As Baby grows into the toddler years she will then be using such rhymes to gallop around on her own 'horse' (which can be as simple as improvising using a long cardboard cylinder as 'the horse').