Janette’s Top Tips – Prop Bags. First 5 Forever
More than a million new connections are forming in your child’s brain every second during their first few years of life. Research tells us that when babies and children get what they need it can have a lasting effect on their future. Sharing stories, singing, talking and playing with your child from birth builds a foundation for your child’s future development that can last a lifetime.
‘Experts in literacy and child development have discovered that if children know eight nursery rhymes by heart by the time they’re four years old, they’re usually among the best readers by the time they’re eight’ – Mem Fox
With this in mind, why not create a prop bag?
A prop bag provides a hands-on learning opportunity for all children no matter their age group or developmental stage. Start small and just add a few props to remind you of your favourite nursery rhymes. These bags can be filled with every day objects or children’s small toys to ignite and spark imaginations and learning. Look for a star (it may be a Christmas ornament!) and then you have your first prop for Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.
Babies learn so much by holding, touching, feeling or even by just looking at things. You may have the bag close to the baby change table and choose a prop each time for the baby to hold. Say or sing the rhyme and soon the baby will be looking forward to you singing rhymes each time you change a nappy.
As your child grows, leave the bag out for them to discover. You may find they want to choose their own prop and tell you the rhyme instead, or even start to tell their own rhymes!
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