Self-control
An older infant practices calming down after a mildly stimulating rhyme activity.
None
Be Prepared: This activity is for nonmobile infants who cannot sit independently or with support. You can become familiar with the words and actions of the “Pat-A-Cake” rhyme through an online source.
[Place the infant on his/her back in front of you. Smile and make eye contact.]
Are you ready for a fun rhyme?
[Pause and acknowledge the infant’s response. Example: “You are looking at me and smiling. You want to play!”]
We are going to play Pat-A-Cake. I am going to hold and move your hands while we play.
[Smile and enthusiastically recite the “Pat-A-Cake” rhyme while moving the infant’s hands in the corresponding actions. You may wish to repeat the rhyme one or more times if the infant is enjoying the activity. Acknowledge the infant’s pleasure. Example: “What a big smile you have! You are kicking your legs. You are telling me you like playing Pat-A-Cake!”
Modify or stop the activity if the infant pulls back his/her hands, develops a frown, or appears at all distressed. Modifications might include reciting the rhyme without the motions or gentle clapping without the rhyme. Describe your response to the infant’s reaction. Example: “You are making a sad face. Let’s stop our rhyme. We can find a way to feel calm and happy.”
At the conclusion of the rhyme, announce that “Our rhyme is over. All done. We can calm down now.” Reposition the infant to provide a clear signal that the activity is over. Hold the infant and provide comfort, such as patting on the back, quietly singing a familiar song, or offering soft-voice reminders that it is time to rest.]
[Smile and make eye contact as you mention highlights of the activity. Example: “We had fun playing Pat-A-Cake, Jordan! You told me with your big smile that you liked the rhyme and clapping. We stopped, and you got calm again.”]
Self-control
An older infant practices calming down after a mildly stimulating rhyme activity.
None
Be Prepared: This activity is for an infant who can sit independently or with support. You can become familiar with the words and actions of the “Pat-a-Cake” rhyme through an online source.
Invite an infant to join you on the floor to play Pat-a-Cake. Sit facing the infant and gently hold his/her hands. Make eye contact and ensure the infant is ready to play. Explain the activity. Example: “We are going to play Pat-a-Cake. I am going to say the rhyme and help you clap your hands. Are you ready?”
Recite the rhyme with an enthusiastic voice while moving the infant’s hands in the corresponding actions. Repeat the rhyme and actions 1–2 times if the toddler enjoys the activity. Modify or stop the activity if the infant shows any signs of distress. Describe the infant’s reaction to the activity. Examples: “You had fun clapping while we played Pat-a-Cake today, Kiara!” “You didn’t want me to hold your hands, but you enjoyed listening to the words of the rhyme, Timothy!”
After the rhyme, encourage the infant to sit and rest with you. The infant may want to sit near you or on your lap. Provide quiet time for the infant to become calm. If needed, support the infant by patting his/her back, quietly humming or singing a favorite song, or offering gentle reminders that it is time to rest. Acknowledge the infant’s efforts to become calm. Example: “You had fun playing Pat-a-Cake! Now you are sitting with me and resting. We are feeling calm.”
Infants will vary in their participation in the rhyme and in becoming calm after the stimulating experience. Follow the infant’s lead during the rhyme, varying the rhythm and extent of actions to match the infant’s interest and response. Some infants may let you know that they are ready for a more enthusiastic version of the rhyme by vocalizing, moving their hands, kicking their legs, or bouncing. Others may prefer a slower and quieter experience. Some infants may not want their hands to be held during the activity, but may enjoy watching you clap your own while you recite the rhyme. Ensure this activity is enjoyable for the infant.
Extra support
Enrichment
Materials Needed: assortment of nursery rhyme books
Encourage infants to explore nursery rhyme books. Engage them in the rhymes they appear most interested in. This can be done with individual infants or several infants at a time. Use strategies suggested in the activity options to help infants calm down, if necessary.
Materials Needed: none
Nursery rhymes and finger plays can be enjoyed by children of all ages. Invite children to choose their favorite rhymes. Take turns reciting a simple rhyme using each child’s name. Infants and toddlers will enjoy watching their older peers recite and do the motions of familiar rhymes. Older children may enjoy helping infants and young toddlers do hand motions, such as clapping for the “Pat-a-Cake” rhyme. Before moving to the next activity, invite children to rest by sitting quietly for a few moments.
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