Nursery Rhymes

Date: 13th Mar 2026 @ 12:04pm

This half term in Nursery we have been exploring a range of traditional nursery rhymes. These rhymes have provided a wonderful opportunity for the children to develop their language, creativity and curiosity while also introducing some early scientific ideas through play and exploration.

We began the half term with The Grand Old Duke of York. The children enjoyed marching, climbing and exploring what happens when we move up and down hills and ramps. Through building and experimenting with different slopes, the children began to notice how objects roll and move depending on where they start. We also explored repeating patterns in our maths sessions and practised creating our own patterns using loose parts.

In week two we explored Hickory Dickory Dock. This rhyme helped the children learn about time, fast and slow movements and how clocks work. The children loved investigating different types of clocks, listening carefully to the ticking sound and moving the hands around the clock face. They also created their own clocks and experimented with moving objects quickly and slowly.

Our third week focused on Row, Row, Row Your Boat. The children explored water, floating and sinking through exciting water play investigations. They tested different objects to see whether they would float or sink and talked about why this might happen. In maths we explored positional language, describing where boats were in the water such as under, over, next to and through. The children also designed and tested their own boats.

During week four we looked at the rhyme Jack and Jill. This helped the children explore ideas about gravity, falling and pulling. The children investigated how objects move when they start at the top of a hill and explored ways of transporting water using buckets and carts. In maths we explored capacity, comparing containers and talking about which ones were full, empty, held more or held less water.

Throughout the half term the children have also taken part in lots of creative activities, including junk modelling, painting, construction and small world play linked to the rhymes. Our physical development sessions have included climbing, balancing, pulling and fine motor activities to help strengthen the children’s muscles and coordination.

Each week we have also enjoyed reading stories for pleasure, encouraging the children to listen carefully, join in with repeated phrases and develop a love of books.

Nursery rhymes are a fantastic way to support children’s communication and language development, and the children have become increasingly confident at joining in with the rhymes, actions and new vocabulary we have introduced.

We have been so proud of how curious, enthusiastic and imaginative the children have been throughout the half term. Thank you for your continued support, and we hope the children have enjoyed sharing some of these rhymes with you at home!