If You're Happy and You Know It | Inclusive Nursery Rhyme Invitation to Play
Sing. Move. Explore. Communicate. Connect.
Bring the joy of music, movement and connection into your early years provision with If You're Happy and You Know It, a beautifully presented, holistic and inclusive nursery rhyme resource designed to celebrate every child's unique way of learning, communicating and participating.
Inspired by the much loved nursery rhyme, this engaging resource encourages children to explore sounds, movements, emotions and sensory experiences through simple, meaningful play.
From babies watching colourful scarves and responding to familiar voices to toddlers clapping, stamping, shaking instruments and exploring different textures, every little interaction creates an opportunity for connection and discovery.
Older children can develop their imagination and confidence by inventing new actions, creating their own verses, exploring different emotions and taking turns leading the rhyme.
There is no perfect way to join in and no expectation for children to copy actions or perform. Just wonderful opportunities to sing, move, explore and connect in ways that feel meaningful to each individual child.
What's included?
A beautifully presented If You're Happy and You Know It nursery rhyme activity guide
Age appropriate ideas for babies and young toddlers
Simple sound, movement and sensory exploration activities for toddlers
Creative opportunities for young children to develop communication and self expression
Extension ideas for older and more confident children
Practical suggestions for creating sound stations, texture paths and feelings mirrors
Inclusive SEND adaptations to support different abilities, communication methods and sensory preferences
Guidance for supporting emotional awareness, choice making and independence
Practitioner guidance for responding to children's individual interests and preferred ways of participating
Learning through play
This resource supports children's communication and language development as they listen, vocalise, sing, imitate sounds and explore different ways of expressing themselves.
It encourages physical development through clapping, stamping, reaching, kicking, shaking, dancing and experimenting with movement.
Children can also develop their emotional awareness, confidence and social interaction as they explore feelings, recognise familiar expressions and discover that everyone can communicate emotions differently.
Through the use of instruments, colourful scarves, textured materials and mirrors, children can investigate sensory experiences while developing coordination, attention and curiosity.
Older children can extend their learning through creating movement sequences, remembering actions, taking turns and inventing new verses.
Inclusion at the heart of play
Every child's participation matters.
Whether a child joins in through eye gaze, facial expressions, signing, vocalising, movement, watching, listening or choosing an object, their contribution is meaningful.
This resource encourages practitioners to adapt activities thoughtfully, offering quieter experiences, alternative movements, visual choices and additional processing time where needed.
The adult's role is to be a responsive partner, not a performance director.
By observing children's interests, responding to their cues and building on their natural movements, practitioners can create joyful, meaningful opportunities for connection and belonging.
Perfect for: Childminders, nurseries, preschools, EYFS settings, baby groups, SEND inclusive provision and home learning.
A wonderful addition to nursery rhyme sessions, music and movement activities, sensory exploration, emotional development and everyday opportunities for shared play.
Digital Download: One page printable PDF resource featuring age appropriate activity ideas, inclusive adaptations, sensory exploration suggestions and practitioner guidance. No physical resources are included.
The Early Years Edit | The Play Library
Little hands. Big discoveries. Every child belongs.
