Jingle Bells | Inclusive Nursery Rhyme Invitation to Play
Sing. Move. Listen. Explore. Communicate. Belong.
Bring the magic of winter, music and movement into your early years provision with Jingle Bells, a beautifully presented, holistic and inclusive nursery rhyme resource designed to inspire curiosity, communication, sensory exploration and meaningful learning through play.
Inspired by the much loved festive song, this engaging resource encourages children to explore rhythm, sound, movement and imaginative storytelling in ways that are meaningful to them.
From babies enjoying gentle rocking, familiar voices and the soft sound of bells to toddlers shaking instruments, moving to the music and pretending to ride in a sleigh, every little interaction creates an opportunity for connection and discovery.
Older children can extend their learning by creating their own sleigh adventures, exploring musical patterns, counting passengers and bells, and imagining journeys through snowy landscapes.
There is no perfect performance, no expected movement and no pressure to join in. Just wonderful opportunities for children to explore, communicate and experience the joy of music together.
What's included?
A beautifully presented Jingle Bells nursery rhyme activity guide
Gentle sound and movement experiences for babies
Musical exploration and repetition activities for toddlers
Imaginative sleigh role play and storytelling opportunities for young children
Ideas for exploring bells, shakers, tambourines and everyday instruments
Activities supporting rhythm, listening, movement and communication
Winter inspired sensory exploration using simple, everyday resources
Opportunities to investigate loud and quiet sounds, fast and slow movements, and starting and stopping
Inclusive SEND adaptations supporting different abilities, communication methods and sensory preferences
Practical guidance for responsive, child led participation
Links to six areas of learning and development within the EYFS
Learning through play
This resource supports children's communication and language development as they listen, vocalise, sing, use gestures and explore familiar words and repeated phrases.
It encourages physical development through reaching, rocking, shaking, marching, bouncing and experimenting with movement.
Children can develop their musical awareness as they investigate different sounds, copy simple rhythms and explore concepts such as loud, quiet, fast, slow, stop and go.
Imaginative sleigh journeys also provide opportunities for storytelling, social interaction, turn taking and developing an understanding of the world.
Early mathematical learning can emerge naturally as children count bells, passengers and repeated beats while exploring patterns and sequences.
Through sensory materials, music and imaginative play, children can build confidence, develop independence and strengthen connections with the adults and children around them.
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 experiences thoughtfully, offering seated or supported movements, visual cues, quieter instruments, sensory alternatives and additional processing time where needed.
There is no expectation for children to sing, copy actions, maintain eye contact or tolerate sounds that feel uncomfortable.
Follow the child, not the performance.
By recognising children's individual interests, responding to their cues and celebrating their preferred ways of communicating, practitioners can create joyful and 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 Christmas and winter provision, nursery rhyme sessions, music and movement activities, sensory exploration, imaginative role play and festive learning experiences.
Digital Download: One page printable PDF resource featuring age appropriate activity ideas, sound and movement exploration, imaginative play opportunities, inclusive adaptations and EYFS links. No physical resources are included.
The Early Years Edit | The Play Library
Little hands. Big discoveries. Every child belongs.
