HIPPITY-HOP : SONG OF THE WEEK

 

A Spring Song to Practise English with Babies, Toddlers & Young Children

Spring is in the air, and there’s no better time to get hopping! Hippity Hop is a playful little song that I’ve been singing with my youngest pupils in schools—and they absolutely love it. It’s especially great for French-speaking children who are just starting their English journey.

 

 

Why? Because it gently introduces the tricky English “H” sound—like in hop, happy, and hello—through movement, rhythm, and joyful repetition. Whether you’re a parent, childminder, or early years teacher, here are some simple, age-appropriate ways to enjoy Hippity Hop with your little ones this spring.

YOU CAN FIND A VIDEO OF THE SONG HERE

 

Babies (0–18 months)

Goals: Bonding, rhythm, sensory exploration, early body awareness

At this age, it’s all about shared moments and sensory play. Babies learn through movement, touch, and sound, so don’t worry about words just yet—your voice and presence are what matter most.

Activities:

1. Lap Bounce:

Sit baby on your lap and gently bounce them in rhythm with the song. This helps develop their sense of beat and supports early language learning through movement and repetition.

2. Tap Their Feet Together:

Hold their feet and tap them together in time with the beat. You can say “hop, hop, hop!” as you go—helping them connect sound and action.

3. Hand-Over-Hand Hopping:

Gently move their arms or legs in a hopping motion as you sing. This adds a physical layer to the meaning of the word “hop.”

4. Bunny Toy Exploration:

Let your baby touch and explore a soft bunny toy. You can make the bunny “hop” on different body parts (tummy, nose, feet), naming them as you go: “Hop on your tummy!”

5. Peekaboo Bunny:

Hide a small bunny toy behind your back or under a cloth. As you sing, reveal the bunny with a little “Peekaboo!” This simple game supports out-of-sight recognition and builds anticipation.

Toddlers (18 months–3 years)

Goals: Movement, imitation, early vocabulary, counting, object permanence

Toddlers are full of energy and curiosity! They love to copy, move, and repeat. Use Hippity Hop to support emerging language, early counting, and simple pretend play.

Activities:

1. Hop Like a Bunny:

Encourage your toddler to hop along with you. It’s a great way to get moving, practise balance, and connect the word hop with the action.

2. Scarf movement:

Use scarves or ribbons as pretend bunny ears. Wave them in time with the music, or tie them loosely to wrists for twirling. This supports coordination and creativity.

3. Count to 3 and Back Again:

Use fingers, toy bunnies, or even little pebbles to count up to 3 and back again. Keep it playful and use a sing-song voice: “One, two, three… and back we go!”

4. Hide-and-Seek Bunny:

Hide a bunny toy under a scarf or inside a basket. Toddlers take turns finding it. This builds focus, memory, and lots of giggles!

Children Over 3

Goals: Creative movement, rhythm, early numeracy

Older children are ready for more structured play and can start linking sounds and words more clearly. Use Hippity Hop as a springboard for creative movement, early numeracy, and fun with language.

Activities:

1. Act Out the Song with Rabbit Puppets:

Use finger puppets or soft toys to act out the lyrics. Encourage children to create their own bunny movements. Let them take the lead—it’s a great confidence builder!

2. Counting Up and Backwards:

Count up to 5 or 10 using fingers or props. Then try counting backwards as you sing, one hop (or one finger) at a time. This supports early number sequencing in a fun, physical way.

Final Thoughts:

Songs like Hippity Hop are a wonderful way to nurture early English learning through connection, rhythm, and play. You don’t need to be a brilliant singer—just enjoy the moment, repeat often, and follow your child’s lead.

If you’re looking for a spring-themed way to bond, build vocabulary, and have a giggle or two, give Hippity Hop a try. Happy hopping!

 

Main Language Aims

This springtime song supports early second language acquisition through joyful play. With repeated exposure and active participation, children will:

• Listen to spoken English and develop an awareness of other languages being spoken around them

• Understand a few familiar spoken words and phrases (e.g., hop, hello, one, two, three)

• Say and repeat a few simple words and short phrases from the song

• Respond physically by doing actions in the song such as hopping and counting

• Enjoy listening to rhymes and start to anticipate repeated patterns in sound and rhythm