Before children can hold and manipulate a pencil to write, they must practice using the different muscles in their bodies. Large (gross) motor skills come before small (fine) motor skills, but it’s never too early to practice both! As you listen to “Baby in the Cradle” on Susan Salidor’s Come Make a Circle 2, act out the words with your child.
Baby in the Cradle
The baby in the cradle goes rock, rock, rock.
The clock on the wall goes ticka-ticka-tock.
The rain on the window goes tap, tap, tap,
And when the sun comes up we clap, clap, clap!
Singing helps children develop listening skills. Songs slow down language so children can hear the different sounds in words.
Playing helps children put thoughts into words and to think symbolically so they understand that spoken and written words can stand for real objects and experiences.
