Bookbug Session Plan: Runaway Cone

The Hello Song

Benefits

Makes everyone feel welcome – children can participate in any way they can e.g. tap, clap, jump or even hum along.

Tips

If you have a small group, personalise the song by including the children’s names. If you know Makaton you can support this song with signs. Use this song at circle time or when children arrive at nursery.

Mum and Dad and Uncle John

Benefits

This is a great rhyme (chanted) to help children develop a sense of timing and musicality, which is beneficial for overall language development and literacy. Chanting this rhyme together can be a fun group activity, promoting social skills and emotional expression. Actions added to the rhyme can help improve children's coordination and motor skills.

Tips

In a group, invite children to skip (trot) in a circle in time to the rhythm of the lines, holding imaginary reins before them. The little ponies can also practice their jumping!

Ickle Ockle Blue Bottle

Benefits

This is a great rhyme (chanted) to encourage bonding and attachment between children as they get to know each other by smiling, clapping and making funny faces. Games involving rhythm and steady beat e.g. clapping, marching etc. can benefit children’s language and literacy skills.

Tips

Children face each other. They say the rhyme and with each word, or on the beat, clap their hands together. They could end with a silly or funny face and wiggle their eyebrows at each other! Try different emotions e.g. sad, angry, surprised etc.

Stand up and hold hands in partners. The children walk round in a circle then at the end they shake hands or say ‘hello’ to a new partner and start all over again.

The Wheels on the Bus

Benefits

This familiar song offers numerous benefits for children's development. It enhances language skills through repetition and vocabulary expansion and supports cognitive development by improving memory and encouraging creativity. The rhyme also develops motor skills through action mimicry and fosters social interaction.

Tips

Sing slowly and clearly so children can join in the singing and some actions and signs with you. It's a lot to co-ordinate so give them plenty of time to join in! Ask the children for their suggestions – who would they like to see on the bus, and what actions should they do e.g. dogs on the bus go woof, woof, woof, crocodile on the bus goes snap, snap, snap.

A Big Red Bus

Benefits

This familiar song encourages listening skills and following simple instructions. Reinforces body part vocabulary (eyes, nose, cheeks, chin) and the actions help develop fine motor skills (touching facial features) and hand-eye coordination.

Tips

Try getting active and moving around as you sing the song – slowly like a big red bus, faster for a Mini, spinning around for a helicopter. Try and add some other forms of transport e.g. rowing boat, hovercraft, kayak.

I wonder what’s in my bag today?

Benefits

The picture book is in the bag and as you sing the song, can they guess what story it will be today? This song can build anticipation, focus and attention of the children. You can use the bag for other props e.g. teddies, puppets etc.

Sing the song to the tune of ‘Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush’:

‘I wonder what’s in my bag today, bag today, bag today
I wonder what’s in my bag today, come and look,
At our favourite book.’

Tips

You can use Makaton to support different communication needs. Use the bag and song for other props e.g. teddies, puppets, objects etc. linked to a picture book.

Runaway Cone by Morag Hood

Benefits

This book explores independence, adventure, and belonging as the runaway cone embarks on a playful journey of self-discovery. With humour, the story highlights resilience, friendship, problem-solving and the importance of teamwork and cooperation in finding their missing friend, Gary.

Tips

Read with energy, using expressive voices and dramatic pauses to engage children. Encourage participation by asking questions, having them predict what happens next or joining in with the sounds of various transport.

Hurlin Up and Doon in the Big Green Tractor

Benefits

Active movement boosts physical coordination and motor skills as children navigate the space around them. In a group the song fosters social interaction and brings joy through its silly nature, encouraging kids to play and laugh together, creating positive social bonds and feelings of connectedness.

Tips

Try the song with different coloured tractors. Ask they children for a favourite colour. Children can drive their imaginary tractors. Holding on to the steering wheel it’s a bumpy ride! What else would children like to include in the tractor? Encourage children to come up with their own fruits or vegetables.

I Can Clap My Hands

Benefits

Engaging in rhythmic movements like clapping, stamping and moving can help children release energy and express positive emotions such as happiness, excitement, or enthusiasm. In group settings, children can observe and learn from each other's behaviour, including how to greet others and respond to social cues.

Tips

Toddlers will love joining in with actions in this lively song – do the actions yourself so they can watch you and learn what to do! You don’t need musical instruments for your child to keep the beat to a song or rhyme. Clap along or make a simple drum by turning a saucepan or plastic tub upside down. A wooden spoon makes a perfect drumstick!

Seashells

Benefits

Lullabies help children develop language skills through rhythm, repetition, and soothing melodies while strengthening emotional bonds with others. They promote relaxation and reducing stress, which supports healthy brain development. Lullabies also enhance listening skills, memory, and emotional regulation, creating a comforting routine that fosters security and well-being.

Tips

Use some fabric and shake it gently to make waves. Children could also sit on it and pretend to be on the sea. Let the children ‘tell you about the sea’. What sea creature is in their ocean? Starfish, shark, sea horse, etc.

The Goodbye Song

Benefits

Tells everyone the session is coming to an end.

Tips

Wave, smile and use names. If you know Makaton you can support this song with signs. You could also sing this song at the end of the nursery day.