The Power of Parenting

Thursday, 04 June 2020

Pat-a-Cake

Reciting nursery rhymes and doing the actions together is an enjoyable way to help your baby begin to develop social skills. Whether it is diaper time, meal time or bath time, interacting with and talking to your baby can always be Comfort, Play & Teach™ time!

The Rhyme You Will Need:

Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker’s man
Bake me a cake as fast as you can!
Poke it and pat it and mark it with a “B”…
Then put it in the oven for baby and me!

Enjoy this more with Comfort, Play & Teach™:

Comfort:

  • Walk around with and cuddle your baby as you say the rhyme. Gaze into his eyes so he knows you are speaking to him. This will help him to understand that you are enjoying the musical quality of the rhyme together!
  • Give your baby a gentle massage. As you say the nursery rhyme, you can pat her body, and trace the letter ‘B’ on her belly! The attention she is receiving will make her feel special and valued by you.

 

Play:

  • Recite this rhyme as you diaper or bathe your baby. He will love hearing the sound of your voice and seeing the smile on your face as you engage him in the experience!
  • Shake a rattle in front of your baby as you say the words to the rhyme. Give the rattle to your baby so she experiences turn-taking and has an opportunity to explore an interesting new sound too!

 

Teach:

  • Nursery rhymes help babies hear the rhythmic quality of speech, as well as the different letter sounds and rhyming words. You will communicate so much to your baby about language by sharing playful rhymes with her!
  • When your baby is laying down, pat different parts of her body while you say the rhyme, or gently clap his hands or feet together. He will develop an awareness of his body and what it can do while he enjoys playing with you!