0mo–11mo9 minSelf-careMealtimeBath time
Rhyme-While-You-Do: Routine Loop
A short routine-based singing activity where you repeats a simple rhyme during an everyday routine so your child can tune into voice sounds, rhythm, and predictable repetition.
What you'll need
Essentials
- your voice
- one everyday routine you already do (e.g., nappy change, getting dressed, feeding, wiping hands/face, or bath time)
Nice to have
- a soft toy (for a gentle ‘hello’/‘bye bye’ moment)
- a calm background (lower noise, fewer distractions)
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 to familiar sounds, words, or finger plays.Mind· 0mo–11mo· core· Steps 1, 4
- MilestoneAnticipates repeated sounds, sights and actions, e.g. when an adult demonstrates an action toy several times.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneGets to know and enjoy daily routines, such as getting-up time, mealtimes, nappy time, and bedtime.Mind· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneVocalizes back during interactionHeart· 2mo–8mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneLooks at a speaking caregiverMind· 1mo–6mo· core
- MilestoneAlerts or calms to speechMind· 0mo–4mo· core
- MilestonePlays simple back-and-forth gamesHeart· 6mo–14mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneUnderstands familiar single wordsMind· 7mo–14mo· stretch
- MilestoneTurns toward and locates a soundMind· 1mo–11mo· stretch
- MilestoneChildren’s later writing is based on skills and understandings which they develop as babies and toddlers. Before they can write, they need to learn to use spoken language to communicate. Later they learn to write down the words they can say. (See the roots of Writing in Communication and language).Mind· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneClosely observes what animals, people and vehicles do.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneMoves to music or rhythmBody· 8mo–18mo· stretch· Step 2
What it practices
- Quietens or alerts to the sound of speech.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Listens to, distinguishes and responds to intonations and sounds of voices.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Looks intently at a person talking, but stops responding if speaker turns away.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Reacts in interaction with others by smiling, looking and moving.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Sing songs and rhymes during everyday routines.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)