0mo–11mo8 minMusicFamily timeQuiet time
Tap-Tap Clap-Time
A lap-time rhythm game where you models simple 1–3 beat taps/claps for your child to watch and join, supporting early awareness of repeated sounds and tiny quantities of beats.
What you'll need
Essentials
- your hands (for tapping and clapping)
- a safe comfy place to sit with your child (lap, mat, or highchair with supervision)
Nice to have
- a soft blanket (to help your child feel settled)
- one safe ‘noise-maker’ (e.g., a rattle or an empty clean plastic container with a secure lid)
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
- MilestoneNotices changes in number of objects/images or sounds in group of up to 3.Mind· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneListens to and enjoys rhythmic patterns in rhymes and stories.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneCopies simple gestures or actionsMind· 6mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 2
- MilestonePlays simple back-and-forth gamesHeart· 6mo–14mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneMoves to music or rhythmBody· 8mo–18mo· stretch· Step 2
- 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 familiar sounds, words, or finger plays.Mind· 0mo–11mo· stretch
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
- “Encourage babies to join in tapping and clapping along to simple rhythms.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)