The Power of Parenting

Thursday, 05 November 2020

Bouncing Babies

Age Range: All Ages

Whether you are reciting a rhyme and bouncing your infant or toddler on your knee, or encouraging older preschoolers to do this with dolls or teddy bears, you will find that this activity is a lovely way to Comfort, Play & Teach™.

You will need:
A simple and familiar bouncing rhyme. One example is:

Rickety, rickety rocking horse,
Over the fields we go
Rickety, rickety rocking horse
Giddyap, giddyap, WHOA!

 

Instructions:
Recite this rhyme while bouncing your infant or toddler on your knee. (Keep in mind that for this activity, an infant should be able to hold up their head independently). On the word "Whoa!" you can lift your baby up into the air. For toddlers, have your child seated on your lap, facing away from you. On the word "Whoa!" lean back and lift your child's legs up into the air. Older preschoolers will also enjoy being bounced, but they are old enough to remember and recite the words to these rhymes and are able to bounce a doll on their own lap.

 

Enjoy this more with Comfort, Play & Teach™:

Comfort: Children enjoy the physical contact of bouncing rhymes. They provide a wonderful opportunity to cuddle and bond with your child. Older children have an opportunity to practice nurturing skills by bouncing dolls on their knees.

Play: Try reciting the words different ways! Use a high or low voice. Try saying the rhyme very slowly or more quickly. Older children will have fun experimenting with the ways they can use their voice. They will also enjoy pretending to be grown-ups, bouncing a baby on their knee.

Teach: Rhymes like this one are very rhythmic and show children the playful and musical quality of language. Learning rhymes can help children develop a love of the sound of words, and eventually a love of reading.