Nursery World - Learning & Development: Rhymes for birth to three

Slowly, slowly, very slowly,
Creeps the garden snail.
Slowly, slowly, very slowly,
Up the wooden rail.

Quickly, quickly, very quickly,
Runs the little mouse.
Quickly, quickly, very quickly,
Round and round the house.

This is a wonderful 'tickly rhyme', which is similar to 'walking round the garden, like a teddy bear, one step, two step, tickle you under there!' - but less familiar. The Early Years Foundation Stage recognises the crucial role of the key person and the genuine bond with children that underpins a settled close relationship. Tickling games and rhymes are just one way to develop such close connections between practitioner and child.

RHYME TIME

- With very small babies, make sure the child is feeling safe and secure before introducing the rhyme. It may be enough to chant the rhyme gently as the baby is securely held on the lap of the key person.

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