0mo–11mo6 minFamily timeQuiet timeMealtime
Home Rhyme Cuddle Time
A soothing finger-play routine using familiar home songs/rhymes to build enjoyment, shared attention, and early anticipation with young babies.
What you'll need
Essentials
- your hands (for gentle finger play)
- a comfortable place to hold or lie with your baby (lap, bed, mat)
Nice to have
- a soft blanket
- a small scarf or muslin cloth for peekaboo
- a nursery rhyme book (optional)
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneListens to familiar sounds, words, or finger plays.Mind· 0mo–11mo· core· Steps 1, 3
- MilestoneAnticipates repeated sounds, sights and actions, e.g. when an adult demonstrates an action toy several times.Mind· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneListens to and enjoys rhythmic patterns in rhymes and stories.Mind· 8mo–20mo· core· Steps 1, 2, 3
- MilestoneAlerts or calms to speechMind· 0mo–4mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneEnjoys the company of others and seeks contact with others from birth.Heart· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneMoves to music or rhythmBody· 8mo–18mo· core· Step 2
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Use finger play, rhymes and familiar songs from home to support young babies’ enjoyment.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)