You deserve a break! Last week I wrote about several no-prep and low-prep activities for mixed-age groups and today I'm sharing 2 more.

I saved the best for last. You're going to have so much fun when you try these. They're a couple of the most engaging and easiest I've ever used.

one

Once Upon A Time In A Nursery Rhyme

This is a classic with hip-hop flair! Say it rhythmically and use the bear voices for the most fun.

The next rhyme is one you already know! With some added fun.

two

Row, Row, Row Your Boat and

Row, Row, Row Your Boat w/Stops

Set toddlers and/or infants who can sit on your lap with your feet straight out in front of you. You can line them up either facing you or facing away. Hold your arms around them and rock back and forth as you sing. Make sure they're all comfortable and happy. Some children who don't like to be squished can do it alone but many enjoy the sensory full body experience. Individualize!

Toddlers love to do it over and over again but here's a trick to keep you and older kids engaged. Try singing the entire song once, and then dropping off the last word until you get to the very last word, "Row!".

It starts like this:

Row, row, row your boat, Gently down the stream. Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Life is but a dream!

Row, row, row your boat, Gently down the stream. Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Life is but a

Row, row, row your boat, Gently down the stream. Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Life is but

Row, row, row your boat, Gently down the stream. Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Life is

Row, row, row your boat, Gently down the stream. Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Life

Row, row, row your boat, Gently down the stream. Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Merrily,

Row, row, row your boat, Gently down the stream. Merrily, Merrily, Merrily

Continue till Row!

I hope this helps you to enjoy your week with young children a little more!

Nanci J Bradley is an early childhood and family educator, parent, grandparent, author, teacher, family aerobics instructor, and an all-around fun-loving person. She believes in the power of sleep, healthy eating, lifelong learning, and most of all, PLAY!  She studied early childhood education at Triton College and received her BS in education in 1986 from NIU. She received her MA in human development from Pacific Oaks College in