0mo–11mo8 minMusicStory timeFamily time
Action Number Rhyme: One Hammer
A short action-rhyme routine where you chooses a repetitive number rhyme (e.g., “Peter Hammers with One Hammer”) and acts it out with baby using gentle taps/movements, supporting enjoyment of number names and noticing simple repeated patterns.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a safe comfortable place to sit with your child (lap, mat, or supported seat) with close supervision
- your voice (a repetitive number rhyme)
Nice to have
- a small soft toy (to ‘hammer’ gently on the mat instead of on the body)
- a note on your phone/paper with 2–3 favourite rhymes to repeat across the week
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 5-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneDevelops an awareness of number names through their enjoyment of action rhymes and songs that relate to their experience of numbers.Mind· 0mo–11mo· core
- MilestoneListens to and enjoys rhythmic patterns in rhymes and stories.Mind· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneListens to familiar sounds, words, or finger plays.Mind· 0mo–11mo· stretch
- MilestoneLearns that own voice and actions have effects on others.Heart· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneSpontaneous limb movementBody· 0mo–4mo· stretch· Step 4
What it practices
- Notices changes in number of objects/images or sounds in group of up to 3.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Develops an awareness of number names through their enjoyment of action rhymes and songs that relate to their experience of numbers.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Has some understanding that things exist, even when out of sight.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Collect number rhymes which are repetitive and are related to children’s actions and experiences, for example, ‘Peter Hammers with One Hammer’.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)