Author Archives: Crystal Murgatroyd

Once Upon a Time – A live CELEBRATION on Zoom

The National Council of the Parent-Child Mother Goose Program, and The Vermont Square Parent-Child Mother Goose Program, are excited to invite you to Once Upon a Time – a virtual
celebration of the early history and 35 years of the Parent-Child Mother Goose Program.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdbqnWfVTQC4-K8UNmRMSwL6BVBw5mwF1sxpYxzlqibnAIH9g/viewform

September is National Literacy Month!

September is here and that means it’s a time for families to encourage and explore literacy together. Literacy is so much more than reading! It’s your ability to listen, speak, write and understand.

What better way to encourage literacy development, then through the power and pleasure of songs, rhymes and oral stories.

The Parent-Child Mother Goose Program encourages literacy development for all ages and all stages, by:

  • Encouraging listening skills and the ability to hear the differences between sounds
  • Exposure to words and melody
  • Using a slow pace and focusing on repetition and imitation
  • ‘Turn taking’ in songs and rhymes
  • Pairing words with actions – even our little ones who can’t express themselves verbally can start to participate with some actions!
  • Rhymes and rhyming words help with phonemic awareness, which is a precursor to eventual reading!

… And so much more!

The best part about using Mother Goose songs, stories and rhymes? It offers a new way to connect with your child. It offers a new way to communicate, a new way to play, and a new way to bond with your family.

September reminds us that these magical moments should be celebrated. Songs, oral stories and rhymes are wonderfully powerful way to promote literacy.

Using the Classics to Teach Body Parts

Is there anything sweeter than your little one pointing to their nose, or wiggling those piggy toes, or sticking out their tongue to playfully connect? The ability for littles to identify these body parts is very important because it allows them to start developing a sense of body awareness. Here are some of our favorites:

  • A classic, Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes! This is a great song to get up, stretch, and get moving!
  • Eyes, Nose Cheeky Cheeky Chin! Lovingly lock eyes with your little one as you trace their face – this is a great connection song.
  • If You’re Happy and You Know It! Not only do you get to look at different body parts, but you can also introduce a variety of feelings and coping strategies.
  • Tony Chestnut! Talk about a tongue twister for the whole body!

Caregivers can use these super fun songs during play opportunities, dressing, and even when applying sunscreen!

What are some of your favorites?