Here are a few ways you can introduce clapping with rhyme.
Why do babies clap their hands?
Once babies learn to clap it is a skill that they love to repeat. Clapping is a positive action as we tend to do it whilst we praise so it is even more enjoyable for babies. Babies use clapping as a form of communication and will start to clap to show excitement.
Hand clapping games
Clapping can be used to start to introduce rhyme time and rhythm along with starting to move to music.
Why not clap to this rhyme with your baby;
Clap, clap, one, two, three
Clap, clap, clap with me.
Clap, clap, four and five.
Clap, clap, clap bees in the hive.
Clap, clap, six, seven eight.
Clap, clap, clap, you’re doing great.
Clap, clap, nine and ten.
Clap, clap, let’s do it again.
When clapping, say the words to the beat. Be energetic in your tone and when you pause between lines, touch your baby, tickle their toes. This is a beautiful way to engage your baby, keep them actively learning, paying attention and imitation.