Old MacDonald Had a Farm

Nursery Rhyme Inspired Invitation to Play

Sing • Explore • Create • Imagine • Connect • Belong

Bring the much-loved nursery rhyme Old MacDonald Had a Farm to life through meaningful, hands-on play!

This inviting, farm-inspired resource encourages little learners to explore animal sounds, movement, imaginative storytelling and early mathematical concepts through familiar songs and open-ended play.

Designed with a holistic and inclusive approach, this planning guide supports children from babies and toddlers through to older early years learners, recognising that every child explores, communicates and participates differently.

What's inside?

• Practical play ideas inspired by Old MacDonald Had a Farm

• Small world and sensory farm exploration

• Animal sounds, movement and musical play

• Early counting, sorting and matching opportunities

• Communication and language development

• Inclusive adaptations to support SEND and differing developmental needs

• Simple adult prompts to encourage curiosity, imagination and child-led learning

• Ideas for extending learning through creativity and real-world experiences

Little songs. Big learning opportunities.

Whether children are making animal noises, moving a tractor through the farm, building enclosures or simply watching and listening, every interaction offers an opportunity to learn.

There is no perfect setup, no right way to play and no expectation that every child participates in the same way.

Simply provide the invitation, follow their interests and see where their imagination takes them.

The Early Years Edit | The Play Library

A downloadable nursery rhyme planning resource for childminders, nurseries, early years practitioners and families.

Please note: This is a digital resource. Physical play materials shown in the inspiration photograph are not included.