Nursery rhymes have been around since the beginning of time. Although fun and exciting there are also many other benefits that can come from active participation in the nursery rhyme is self. Such benefits are ranging from communication skills to physical skills. let’s take a look at a rather popular nursery rhyme and see some interesting ways to utilize it to develop skills in young children.
Pop Goes The Weasel
Originating in 1853 as a dance, the popular dance, “Pop! Goes the Weasel” became a crowd favorite with royalty. By September of 1853 did the dance finally gain words to the already famous tune. Around the same time did the popular tune cross over to the United States where many versions have since come about. Having a history as being an original dance tune, this rhyme has become a favorite amongst children ages 0-5.
Developed Skills
When this rhyme as a method of interaction with children, some key benefits developed are: large muscle skills, listening skills, and language skills are highly developed with this nursery rhyme. While there are many ways to do so, this is a common way that most teachers and parent go about achieving such development within the young child.
Method Of Interaction With Young Children
1. Play or have someone sing the rhyme, “Pop Goes the Weasel”
2. Next, remind the child or children to listen for the “POP” within the rhyme’s
lyrics.
3. Have the rhyme sung or played again, and have the child or children leap every time the word “POP” is heard. This kind of action will fill the young child or children with excitement and joy.
4. This is a rather interesting way that children can have movement and interaction. One goal is to have the child act out the words to the rhyme with body movements.
5. Some interesting things to consider when utilizing this rhyme is to think of ways to increase interaction with the child or children. Such as, “Who can jump like a weasel?” This kind of question will excite the child to try and mimic a weasel. Another question can be, “Who can make noise to go along with the song with their hands and feet?” This incites a longing to clamp and stomp the feet at the word “Pop” in the rhyme.
Explored Topics
With this nursery rhyme, the child is exploring a way to interact and have self-regulation. First, by following the directions of participating with the word “Pop” coming forth as well as regulating the self to jump at the appropriate time. Understanding emotions are another topic that is explored in that the child is able to use excitement and joy in conjunction with sounds and harmony. When there is more than one child, then there is the topic of interaction and sharing explored as well. This makes the rhyme even more fun.