8mo–20mo7 minBath timeMealtimeSelf-care
Round-and-Round Routine Rhymes
A cosy finger-play routine for care moments (feeding, changing, bathing) that builds connection, attention, anticipation, and gentle movement through touch-and-rhyme games.
What you'll need
Essentials
- your hands
- a comfy, safe position for your child (on your lap, changing mat, or bath support as appropriate)
Nice to have
- a small towel or blanket (for cosy pauses)
- a favourite small toy (for turn-taking)
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 3-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneParticipates in songs and rhymesMind· 14mo–2.3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneUnderstands familiar contextual cuesMind· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneShows interest in play with sounds, songs and rhymes.Mind· 16mo–2.2y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneResponds to a speaking personHeart· 0mo–14mo· core· Step 1
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Use feeding, changing and bathing times to share finger plays, such as ‘Round and Round the Garden’.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)