Poetry can say as much as the heart feels. Have you ever considered gifting a baby with a poem? If so, was it composed by you or plucked out from the works of famous poets? Well, the good news is whatever your source of the poem is; it fares less than the significance of the poem given as a gift especially for a baby.
Take note however that if the poem is your own, it is a plus for you but if it’s of others, give the plus for your source by respecting his work - acknowledge your source ALWAYS. Avoid compromising your integrity by owning that which belong to others. That is plagiarism - plain and simple.
You think poetry cannot do anything for a baby? You’re definitely on the wrong side of the tract. In fact, poetry does miracles for the little angel- and for adults too. Poetry is an experience in and of itself, an experience that expands and heightens the baby’s sensory awareness and imagination. It has emotional intensity that appeals to children, young and old. It is one of the first forms of literature children encounter - from nursery rhymes for small babies to bedtime stories as they grow a little older or even further. Watch the sweet smiles on the angel’s face as she recognizes the rhythm as the parent reads to her. Likewise, clapping hands in patterns to the rhythm introduces your baby to pattern and sequence.
To perk you up, I am sharing with you the classic (as if) ‘ency, wency spider’ and it goes:
The ency, wency spider went up the water spout.
(Touch opposite thumbs to index fingers, alternate to twist upward)
Down came the rain and washed the spider out
(Wiggle fingers while moving fingers down)
Out came the sun and dried up all the rain
(Make a big circle with your arms)
And the encysy, wency spider went out the spout again.
(Alternate thumbs and fingers again)
And here’s another to fire up your excitement:
Granny’s Spectacles
Here are Grandma’s spectacles
(Make circles with thumbs and index fingers placed over eyes)
And here is Grandma’s hat,
(Join hands at fingertips and place on top of head)
And here’s the way she folds her hands
(Fold hands and place gently on lap)
and puts them on her lap.
Here are Grandpa’s spectacles
(Make larger circles of thumbs and index fingers and place over eyes)
And here is Grandpa’s hat,
(Make larger pointed hat, as above)
And here’s the way he folds his arms
(Fold arms with vigor)
And sits like that!
Poems can add flavor and excitement to a baby’s first birthday party (the party itself is a wonderful gift to the baby). With the involvement of guests - moms and babies, the host can lead an energizer using my nephew’s and nieces’ favorite ‘ENCY, WENCY SPIDER’ rhyme cum action song cum game. I myself cannot suppress a grin as I recall my little darlings’ squeals and wiggles as their mom tickles them to the tune of ency… Try this yourself or you may choose from hundreds of rhymes available at your fingertips. Word of caution though: Be sure you practice before the event or you’ll end up robbing the party of its flavor by your lack of expertise.
Education baby gifts can help baby develop reading and talking skills early on. Many unique baby gifts are baby gift baskets with CD’s and DVD’s in them to being baby’s learning at an early age. Educational gifts for baby will be appreciated by the whole family for years to come.