Twinkle Star Hands
What you need
- a big paper star stuck high on a window, or plug-in fairy lights already up high
How to do it
- Sit together on the floor facing the star or the fairy lights, with your toddler on your lap or beside you.
- Point to the star and say "star, twinkle" in a soft voice.
- Sing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" slowly, opening and closing your hands like twinkling stars.
- Sing it again, slower and quieter, and help them twinkle their hands with yours.
Why it matters
Slow hand actions to a song they know give them a way to join in, and the quiet pace calms a busy day.
What they're learning
- Copying actions
- Opening and closing their hands with you is copying in time.
- Joining in a song
- A slow song they know well is one they can join with a hand or a sound.
- Settling
- A soft voice and a slow song help their body calm down.
What to look for
Watch for their hands opening and closing on their own as soon as you start to sing.
A tip
Fairy lights and their cable stay up high and out of reach, for looking at, not touching. Plug-in lights, or a battery pack with a screw-shut cover, only.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: hold their hands and twinkle them gently for them
Harder: stop before the last word of a line and see if they fill it in with a sound or a twinkle
More like this
Browse
Quiet & calm activities · Activities for 1 year olds · Activities for 18 month olds · Toddler activities with paper