Theme 1: Introducing rhymes and songs

This is a great way to introduce Bookstart Corner to families, emphasising the value of rhymes and songs and how to integrate these into daily life.

Introductions to family and Bookstart Corner

  • Introduce yourself to the family and explain how the sessions will work
  • Explain or recap the benefits of Bookstart Corner
  • Invite any questions
  • Settle the child with a selection of books, making sure there are minimal distractions and some space to talk openly with the family

What parents and carers already do

  • Talk with the parent/carer to find out what they already do with their child. Do they spend time talking and listening to each other, or sharing books, stories and rhymes together? Talk about their usual routine
  • Highlight all the things they are already doing which contribute to language and communication skills - they may not realise the value of some of their activities
  • Reassure the family that the aim of Bookstart Corner is to build on all these everyday opportunities and is not about ‘teaching’ their child. The focus is on enjoying books, stories and rhymes, and time spent together

Activity You may want to watch the Stories Are Fun for Everyone video, or recommend that parents watch it in their own time. Encourage discussion about the video and recognise any concerns the parents/carers may have.

The benefits of rhymesMatch the Rhyme sheet

Parents and carers may not prioritise sharing rhymes with their child – explaining the benefits might help motivate them to start.

Children respond differently to rhymes at various stages, and it’s useful for parents to understand this so that they can be confident their child is engaged and having fun. Children might be:

  • Babbling and giggling
  • Responding with the whole body
  • Joining in with actions

Activity Download and print the Match the Rhyme sheet to use with parents. Ask them to link the rhymes to the skills they help develop while discussing the benefits of rhymes. 

Singing rhymes togetherRhyme Challenge cover

Use the rhymes provided in the Rhyme Challenge or the Match the Rhyme sheet to practise singing rhymes together. Give parents some top tips as you go:

  • Miss words for children to fill in
  • Make deliberate mistakes while singing songs they know as they will enjoy spotting them
  • Make up actions to go along with rhymes – you can practise together
  • By slowing down the pace, using smaller movements and lowering your voice you can use rhymes to calm children

Follow-up activities

More activities you can talk about in the session and suggest families try in their own time.

  • Parents and carers can take part in a challenge with their child to learn some new rhymes together. They can use the Rhyme Challenge resources to help them
  • Encourage families to join their local Rhymetime session at the library