What to do with this activity?
Row, row, row your boat is a fun song to sing with your baby. Pretend you are in a boat - perhaps sitting on the floor. Sit your child facing you on your lap and hold their hands and, as you sing the song, rock over and back. See the words below. Have fun with your child and listen to what they say to you.
Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream,
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream.
Row, row, row your boat, gently up the creek,
If you see a little mouse, don't forget to squeak!
Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream,
If you see a crocodile, don't forget to scream!
Row, row, row your boat, gently to the shore,
If you see a lion, don’t forget to roar!
Row, row, row your boat, gently down the river,
If you see a polar bear, don't forget to shiver!
Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream,
If you see a butterfly, don't forget to smile!
If you don't know the tune, click on the yellow activity link below for a gentle version that repeats the first verse over and over.
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Why am I doing this?
Sharing stories play an important role in a child’s development. They not only help children learn language and reading skills but they also have an emotional quality which can help children make sense of their feelings. Reading to babies and young children, and giving them time to respond, will help make the most of this opportunity. Recognising shapes will help your child to learn to read later on.
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How can I do more?
The most important thing is that reading is fun and enjoyable for both of you – five minutes can be enough. Just turn off the TV and find a quiet place so there are no distractions. And remember stories are not just found in books, it’s just as good to tell your child short, simple stories you know.
Remember, you’re not teaching your child to read. You learn to talk a long time before you learn to read, and sharing stories and giving your child time to respond is a wonderful way to help your child’s language development.
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