Community topic

Rhythm, music and body percussion

Some of the most useful regulation and connection activities do not need any equipment at all. A clap, a stomp, a familiar rhythm, a finger-play song or a repeated body percussion pattern can help bring a group together without adding another complicated activity to the day.

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What rhythm, song or body percussion activity still works?

Think about the things you naturally use through the day. It might be clapping a pattern for children to copy, tapping knees together, stamping to a beat, singing during pack-up, using call and response, or bringing back an old finger-play song. What helps your children listen, imitate, connect and participate together?

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Practical resource

Toddler Body Awareness Finger Play Songs

A practical collection of finger-play songs that can support body awareness, imitation, shared attention, sequencing and connection through familiar movement and rhythm.

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Ready to share with families

Finger-play songs are a simple way to build movement, language and connection into everyday routines. Songs that include hands, fingers, clapping, tapping and simple actions give children opportunities to practise imitation, body awareness, sequencing and attention while enjoying time with you. You do not need to make it complicated. Choose one familiar finger-play song and repeat it regularly during dressing, bath time, car trips or before bed. Children often benefit from hearing and doing the same song many times.