Songs and Rhymes-Play-based pedagogy at Foundational Stage -National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage-2022

Children understand different concepts through songs and their vocabulary also expands. Physical movements accompanying the songs enhance gross and fine motor movements,

and body movements and gestures help children in understanding concepts. Songs promote interaction among children and lead to cooperation.

National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage-2022

Songs and Rhymes-Play-based pedagogy at Foundational Stage -National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage-2022

  • Children love singing songs and rhymes, and dancing to music. Songs are also a wonderful means of learning language.
  • Songs can be selected so that they support the concept that children need to learn. For example, the song ‘Five little monkeys, jumping on the bed, one fell off and hurt his head, mama called the doctor and the doctor said, no more monkeys, jumping on the bed.’
  • This song can be used to learn about animals, their movement, being careful, getting hurt, the work of a doctor and counting. Singing and acting on this song is also a lot of fun!
  • Local context specific songs and rhymes (e.g., Pancharakunju in Malayalam, ghum parani mashi pishi in Bangla, machili jal ki rani hai in Hindi, aane banta in Kannada) are another good way to
  • increase vocabulary, imagination, and expression in different kinds of songs. Songs of different languages provide children an ability to infer, make connections between common and different
  • words in a language. Most of us in India are multilingual, and it is important that the songs and rhymes promote children’s ability to remain multilingual.
  • The Teacher could select a few rhymes or songs in two or three local languages, practice them and sing with children. Grandparents, parents, and community members can be wonderful resources
  • for this. The Teacher can choose songs that have rhyming words, those that have a few lines and those which are popular and known to the local community. Songs can be humorous too – children enjoy funny songs.

How to conduct Rhymes with Children

  • Be familiar with the rhyme and the actions that go along with it. Write the rhyme on a chart paper in large print with a related illustration at the corner and display it at the eye level of the children. Let the children look at the rhyme.
  • Note: All rhymes should be done at least 3-4 times.
  • Introduce the rhyme and explain what it is about.
  • Recite the rhyme fully with rhythm, expression, and intonation while children listen.
  • Ask the children to repeat each line after you and explain the meaning of each line showing the picture.
  • Show the actions that go along with the words and ask children to follow.
  • Children now sing along with you with actions.
  • Encourage the children to sing by themselves in groups or individually

National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage-2022

https://ncert.nic.in/pdf/NCF_for_Foundational_Stage_20_October_2022.pdf