2.5y–4.2y12 minReadingMusicFamily time
Rhyme Time Bag Pick-and-Sing
A take-home ‘rhyme time bag’ routine using a small set of books/props to support listening, attention, and recall through repeated rhymes and singing games.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small bag (tote bag, shopping bag, or pillowcase)
- 1–2 books (or homemade folded paper ‘mini book’ with drawings)
- 2–3 simple props (e.g., spoon, scarf, small ball, sock puppet)
Nice to have
- a phone timer (optional)
- paper and pen (to note favourite rhymes)
Movement level: low
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 and joins inMind· 2.3y–3.3y· core
- MilestoneCompletes Familiar Story or Rhyme PhrasesMind· 20mo–2.7y· stretch
- MilestoneAttends and recallsMind· 2.5y–4.2y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneJoins in Singing Familiar SongsMind· 2y–3y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneSings familiar songs or dancesMind· 3.3y–5y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneCan select and use activities and resources with help.Heart· 22mo–3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneExpresses own preferences and interests.Heart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneReceptive spatial-word understandingMind· 2.7y–3.2y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneHelps with simple household tasksHeart· 18mo–3y· core· Step 4
What it practices
- Listens to stories with increasing attention and recall.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Joins in with repeated refrains and anticipates key events and phrases in rhymes and stories.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Focusing attention – still listen or do, but can shift own attention.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Is able to follow directions (if not intently focused on own choice of activity).Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Introduce ‘rhyme time’ bags containing books to take home and involve parents in rhymes and singing games.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)