Hello and welcome to
Rhyme & Craft
Here is a quick story behind the idea of Rhyme & Craft.
I am a proud and happy mum of one and have worked closely with the local community in the past 7 years in Enfield.
As long as I can remember, music has always played an important part in my life. I went to music school from a very early age, played the piano and had the opportunity to try a broad palette of different musical styles from classical music to jazz. I took on professional singing lessons but remember feeling very nervous when I had to perform. This seem to have faded with all those start-up bands at university and stagefright was very soon out of the window.
From editing radio programmes to supporting parents educating children in their very first experiences with literacy, I feel that I certainly have come a long way.
Singing really came to life when my daughter was born. At three months she held the very first book and has not spent a day without opening one, or two, or more likely a dozen every day since then.
Storytelling and nursery rhymes are very powerful tools to allow your children to discover an old, shared language. They are fun to sing along and highlight the many sounds of the words that will later on help you raise confident young readers. Playtime and imaginary games are also the best way to engage with your little one and encourage them to learn new skills through play.
Crafting is another magical aid for children and parents as it boosts creativity, imagination and of course, it keeps you busy. Glittery, messy, hands-on crafts are a child's best friend where you can create something memorable together that you will treasure for long years to come.
So as you can see you really don't need to look far to figure out how to help stretch baby's mind. Rhyme & Craft sessions use the above ingredients to help loving adults share music, games, movement, fun and bonding with young children.
I am a qualified librarian by profession and have actively been taking part in playgroup sessions, class visits, local family events and various national reading schemes.
Having seen many good examples, I strongly believe in the benefits of group sessions as they give a chance to both parent and child to spend quality time outside home and learn at the same time.
No matter how you feel about your own voice, or whether or not you know the words to a nursery rhyme it will all come together when you see those baby eyes shine with joy when they hear you sing (or hum) wholeheartedly.
Children are such fun to be around so I hope you will enjoy your time together at Rhyme & Craft.
