Horsey, horsey, don't you stop
Just let your feet go clippety clop
Let your tail go 'swish' and the wheels go round
Giddy up, we're homeward bound.
It's important to introduce babies and very young children to traditional rhymes. Rhymes can support close contact between child and key person, and so promote a sense of security and well-being.
This rhyme is effective because of its use of onomatopoeia - that is, where words actually sound like their meaning. When sharing the rhyme, you can emphasise the 'swish' of the tail and the 'clippety clop' of the hooves for added fun.
RHYME TIME
- One way to share this rhyme is to chant it while the child is held safely and seated securely on your crossed leg, which you rock gently up and down 'in time' with the rhyme.
- If you are sharing the rhyme with babies at the early stages of communication, be sure to maintain eye contact so that you can see their reactions and respond by mirroring their facial expressions.
- You can also lift your leg up high as you say the words 'Giddy Up!' for some added fun.
EXTENSION IDEAS
- Find other ways of sharing the rhyme. For example, say it while the child is seated on a rocking horse; use a finger or hand puppet and move your hand up and down to reflect the movement of the horse; or introduce a musical instrument such as castanets to mimic the sound of the horse's hooves.
- 'Horsey, horsey' is the chorus of a little-known rhyme. For the full version visit: www.poppyfields.net. A variation within the ryhme is:
Horsey, horsey, on your way
We've done the journey many a day
Let your tail go 'swish', etc.
Judith Stevens is an early years adviser in London.