Rhyme Time is our hugely popular music group for the under-fives and meets twice on Tuesdays at the Boys Brigade Hall, Combs Lane, Stowmarket: 9 am and 10:15 am.
A Rhyme Time session lasts for an hour. We start each session with free play so the children can settle in and the adults can chat.
We have toys out for the children so they’ve something to do while mums/carers catch up. This is a great way to make new friends especially if you are new to the area and would find walking into a big toddler group for the first time a bit daunting. We are operating Rhyme time in a covid secure way with smaller groups, regular cleaning and disinfecting, and designated props or instruments for each family.
We include well-loved nursery rhymes (like Baa, baa, black sheep) action, finger and movement songs. The favourite bit for some children is when we get out the drums, bells, shakers and other percussion instruments. It’s a bit of a din! But a very good way to get it all out of your system (especially for the mums!).
As well as being good fun it helps them to understand rhythm, discipline (when to stop and start) and recognition of the different instruments and their sounds. We sometimes use different sounds to illustrate what we are singing. For example, cymbals and drums for thunder and bells and rainmakers for “pitter-patter raindrops” in the song I hear thunder.
Out of all the songs we sing, one of the universal favourites has to be Humpty Dumpty. To hear the shrieks as they ‘fall off the wall’ and the cries of “Again! Again!” always makes us smile. This, along with Row, row and Horsey, horsey, don’t you stop, gives the adults’ legs a good workout! (why go to the gym?) So, grown-ups, come prepared – Rhyme Time is easier to do in trousers!
Rhyme Time is open to the smallest baby right through to the boisterous toddler.
Shy children are not forced to be extrovert – in fact, some children who are very quiet during sessions are said to enjoy acting out ‘rhyme time’ at home! We are a very informal group and understand that with very small children attention spans are short and sitting still for long is very hard! With that in mind, our sessions are fast-paced and very adaptable depending on the children who are there and the general mood of the group on the day!
We like to keep the groups a manageable size, so we do have limits on numbers and currently have a waiting list. Places are free, so to book yours call the New Life Church office on 01449 774000.
Lastly, I’ll leave you with a few of the things that have been said about our group.
- “..saved my life.”
- “It keeps me sane”
- “It’s the highlight of my week!”
We’ll see you soon!