How to Create a Magical Nursery Rhyme Basket and Why It’s Perfect for the Early Years By @Educator_Mum, Guest Blogger & Playroom Chaos Coordinator

There’s a reason nursery rhymes have stood the test of time — they’re packed with language-rich learning, rhythm, memory-building, and just the right amount of silliness to keep little ones engaged. 

And the best part? You don’t need to be a professional entertainer (or have perfect pitch) to bring the magic of nursery rhymes into your setting or home. Let me introduce you to one of our most-loved setups: the Nursery Rhyme Basket. 

 So... What’s a Nursery Rhyme Basket? 

Think of it as a treasure chest of song-inspired play. It’s a hands-on, multi-sensory way for little ones to explore classic rhymes through props, textures, and music. It encourages language development, imaginative play, and even early literacy — all while you’re belting out “Incy Wincy Spider” for the 47th time that morning. 

What’s in Our Basket?  Let me give you a peek inside our very own rhyme basket — it’s a crowd favourite for toddlers, preschoolers, and even the occasional curious baby sibling. 

 • Yellow Door Nursery Rhyme Rollers 

These are hands-down our favourite tool for extending rhyme time into a sensory, creative experience. Roll them into play dough and voilà — a tactile invitation to tell the story of a spider, a duck, or a little piggy. 

• Curiosity Corner Sensory Dough 

This dough smells divine, squishes beautifully, and doesn’t dry out halfway through “Hickory Dickory Dock.” A perfect pairing with the rollers or props for small world rhyme play. 

• Learn Well Alphabet Rhyme Time Cards & Wooden Props 

These are a dream for hands-on learners. Each card features a classic nursery rhyme with beautifully carved wooden figures to match.  

• Musical Instruments 

A tambourine and an egg shaker are in this basket, but I like to change instruments regularly to keep things exciting. Because nothing says “morning calm” like a toddler enthusiastically shaking an egg during “Twinkle Twinkle.”

Why Are Nursery Rhymes So Powerful? 

 Here’s why you’ll want to embrace the rhyme life (even if you swore you’d never sing “Baa Baa Black Sheep” again): 

• Language Development: Rhymes expose children to rich vocabulary, patterns, and sentence structure. They’re basically little pre-reading workouts in disguise. 

• Memory & Sequencing: Repetition helps kids build memory skills and understand story order (and that Itsy Bitsy Spider always makes a comeback after the rain). 

• Rhythm & Musicality: Clapping, tapping, and shaking instruments helps develop listening and motor coordination. Bonus: it’s adorable. 

• Confidence Building: Even shy children will often sing before they speak confidently — it’s a beautiful bridge into communication. 

• Emotional Connection: There’s something special about sharing the same songs we sang as children. It’s a generational love note. 

Setting One Up at Home or on a Budget? Totally Doable. 

 If you’re not ready to splurge on props just yet (or your toddler has recently fed your wooden Humpty Dumpty to the dog), here are some easy alternatives: 

• DIY Story Stones or Lids: Paint characters from your favourite rhymes onto stones or bottle lids. They don’t need to be perfect – even a wonky sheep brings joy. 

• Printed Rhyme Cards: Find free printable rhyme cards online, laminate them (or cover with sticky back plastic if you’re fancy), and pop them in a basket. 

• Tupperware Drums & Pasta Shakers: Raid your kitchen – a wooden spoon and an upturned bowl make a fine drum. Dry pasta in a tub = instant egg shaker. 

• Soft Toys: Use teddies, dolls, or random soft toys to represent characters. 

• Scarves for Movement: Pop in a couple of scarves for waving during songs like “Zoom Zoom Zoom” or “Row Row Row Your Boat.” 

Final Thoughts (And One Last Verse) 

 A nursery rhyme basket isn’t just a box of bits – it’s an invitation to connect, sing, and giggle with your little ones. Whether you’re a parent, childminder, or early years educator, it’s an easy, magical way to bring songs to life. 

 So go on — roll that dough, shake that tambourine, and don’t worry if your voice cracks on the high note of “Twinkle Twinkle.” Your tiny audience thinks you’re a rock star. 

⸻ 

Got a favourite nursery rhyme or a must-have basket item? Let’s share ideas and keep the rhyme magic going! 

Thanks so much for having me! – Abbie / @Educator_mum