The way we use children's names in everyday situations can be very affirming for babies and toddlers. It can help them feel valued by others around them and give them a sense of belonging. Babies will recognise their own names at quite an early stage. Several songs have room for children's names and can be used during the activities in the nursery when handling or helping children.
For example, I've heard this song about changing a nappy to the tune of 'Drunken Sailor'!
'What shall we do with Lauren's nappy... on a Tuesday morning?
'We'll change, change, change your nappy...
On a Tuesday morning'
Or if it's time to play knee-bouncing games, you might sing the same tune to the words, 'What shall we do with a bouncy Zac?' Then watch what Zac is doing - if he's waving his arms or feet up and down, the next words could be, 'Wave, wave, wave your arms... early in the morning'.
When it's time for a more relaxing activity, or towards the end of the day, try singing this to the tune of 'Skip to My Lou', but slowed down and more gentle: 'We love Charlie, yes we do, We love Charlie, yes we do, We love Charlie, yes we do, Charlie is our darling'
This can have the effect of soothing young children, especially if you sing it over and over, using a different child's name each time.
'We Love Baby' can be found in Lively Time Playsongs by Sheena Roberts and Rachel Fuller, which comes with a CD (A & C Black, ISBN 0-7136-6940-3).
Useful resource: Singing Together 1 compiled by Alison Street for PEEP (ISBN 1-903553-35-0). Visit www.peep.org.uk.