Appu Series

Nursery rhymes are the primary means of entertainment for any preschooler. We thought we’d put together some fun children’s songs that have stood the test of time.

Hey Diddle, Diddle

What could be more visually nonsensical and hilarious than a cow jumping over the moon, and a dish running away with a spoon? Oh! Did you know that the knife and fork weren’t so happy about the couple eloping… They followed them right behind!

Old Mac Donald

It’s the most fun you could ever have making noises with your children. It’s the best song to create cacophony.  Statutory warning: it might get decibels higher than what your fellow human neighbors can tolerate…

Wheels on The Bus

The perfect road song of all times. You can even make up your own lyrics, and sing along. Makes driving less painful! Your little one has a tune to hum.

Humpty Dumpty

An all-time favorite rhyme character. He sits on a wall when he knows all it takes is one straight drop to turn into yolk! Ouch! For some reason, kids seem to love this little guy.

Pat a Cake

Pat a Cake is one of the most favorite hand clapping game songs. Any baby, old enough to play this little piggie, loves the game.

Incy-Wincy

Incy-Wincy spider is a song that requires a bit of coordination… thumb and index coordination. It’s priceless to watch those little fingers move up inch by inch!

Jack and Jill

Two reckless characters who have won a million hearts. It’s 100% a preschool staple. A song that you just can’t miss!

Mary Had a Little Lamb

Mary Had a Little Lamb is a song probably made most of us wish every day was show-and-tell and we got to bring our pets along to school!

Yankee Doodle

This overdressed has one thing that should a feather to his cap. He is one of the most loved characters, so is his pony!

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

Bed time is crucial! Parents all over the world have their own rituals. Pat the baby to sleep, rock back and forth, drive all around, run up and down… The things we do! Whew! Here is a list of lullabies that might (just might) make things easy…

Goodnight Sleep Tight

Get into your most hypnotic singing voice and drill this into your little one’s head when it’s time to go to bed! Goodnight sleep tight, Don’t let the bed bugs bite!

Hush Little Baby

Hush Little Baby is one of the best classics. Fill your little one’s ears with these promises… It’s a great song to go to sleep to.

Rock-a-bye Baby

Soft and mellow, the rhythm of this song is bound to rock your baby to sleep. Rock-a-bye-baby works with even the crankiest bunch!

Lavender Blue

Melodic and dreamy, this is a song that would set your little one to fly across meadows and fields. Lavender Blue is a truly magical piece. Whisper sweet nothings into your child’s ears!

Cry Baby Cry

You’re little one is being a handful? Here is an age old lullaby that will gently lilt your baby to sleep. Cry Baby Cry is worth a try!

Sleep Baby Sleep

Get your baby in your arms and gently sing or play the song… You’ll witness the magic unfold! Sleep Baby Sleep is sure to work.

Dance To Your Daddy

A folk song that has the power to put your baby in bed. Sing it and you’ll be stunned by the results! Dance To Your Daddy is a great song.

Hush Baby My Dolly

Something you sing to your kid, and in turn you’ll see in their role-plays… Hush Baby My Dolly is quite charming!

Star Light, Star Bright

Make a wish! Make a wish! Gaze at the stars, and go to sleep with a good feeling! Star Light, Star Bright is one such song.

The Man in the Moon

At the start of October every year, there is one question you’ll often hear… ‘what are you and your kids going to be for Halloween?’ So here is a list that just might come in handy.

Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee

Have twins? Let’s double the fun! Tweedle dum and Tweedle Dee are characters your little ones would definitely love to be. Check with them!

Hansel and Gretel

Perfect for a brother and sister pair! They’ll definitely have to stick together to pull this off. One way to address sibling rivalry…

Mini and Mickey Mouse

All you need is a pair of cute little ears and whiskers to pull this off. And of course, the trademark red, white and black suit!

Tinkerbell

A bag of pixie dust, a nice snuggly green tutu like suit, a pair of wings, a wand and keep adding to the accessories till you get it right! Tinkerbell is an all time favorite!

Scarecrow

Scarecrow! He was looking for something that he thought he didn’t have… Brains! He discovers he had it all along. Who wouldn’t want to be this endearing man?

Dorothy

‘There’s no place like home’  The perfect line for trick or treat, people will know your little one is in no time! A blue and white frock and a pair of ruby red shoes does the trick too!

Harry Potter

The thunderbolt scar, taped glasses, a wand in hand, with a robe hanging over the shoulders, who could it be? Harry Potter! A character your kid would definitely want to be.

Shrek

Shrek is one special person. He sends a positive message across to kids and grownups alike. He has a great sense of humour too!

Ariel

A daring heroine, a rebel and a dreamer all describes Ariel. She is a Disney princess most children would want to be.

Alladin

Here We Go Looby Loo– Hockey Pockey

Dance moves that stay with us all through our lives. When you run out moves… Here We Go Looby Loo comes to your rescue!

Macarena

This is a song that makes you sigh with relief… You’ll find everybody falling in line and moving with supreme coordination!

Labamba

La! La! Bamba! Is one of the best dance numbers of all time. It is something you should introduce to your children by decree!

Happy

Contagious! Happy is a song that just won’t stop playing in your head. And the feeling, well stays on… Pop the happy pill!

Chicken Dance

Flap, flap, flap Paaddoooock! Chicken moves! Ah well! It’s loads of fun. You have to make sure it’s on your playlist!

Bunny Hop

Bunny Hop song that will surely get the group together, hopping, leaping, and jumping all about like frogs, rabbits and whatnot!

Mexican Hat Dance

Mexican Hat Dance has some fun moves and grooves! Play it at kid parties, family dinners, beach, backyard parties etc… it’s always a hit!

Who Let the Dogs Out?

Who Let the Dogs Out? is great song to get your party started. Watch magic happen as you play it…

Hamster Dance

Hamster Dance is a perpetual party song! It’s the kind of song that you would love as much as your kid does!

Crazy Frog

Little girls, boys, puppets, muppets, animals and a whole lot more have kept kids entertained and educated for as along as television as been around. Here is a list of 10 shows that are rich in food for your little one’s thoughts. They are written in such a way that your child imbibes all the values you intend to raise them on.

Sesame Street

Here is a cast that has educated at least three generations of television viewers. Sesame Street, to this date remains one of the best things that has ever happened in the word of children’s entertainment and education.

Dora The Explorer

Dora The Explorer is a show where your child explores with our brilliant preschool heroine. She’s always on a mission. She’s not alone… She’s got her pet, Boots, her special backpack and a map that guides her all through!

Barney and Friends

Barney and Friends show you the power of imagination! The show is scripted around a beautiful curriculum, that contains all the core ingredients of healthy preschool learning.

Peppa Pig

Peppa Pig is a show where diversity is celebrated in every way possible. All these animals live as families! It’s a pretty scene. There is a whole lot your little ones can learn from Peppa too…

Spongebob Squarepants

Spongebob Squarepants is one determined fry-cook. There is something very real about this character. Written for kids of 6 years and over.

Sid the Science Kid

Sid the Science Kid is a show where Sid, the hero quenches his thirst for knowledge every which way possible! A wholesome PBS entertainer and educator.

Noddy and Friends

Noddy and Friends walk your little ones through situations they are likely to find. Problem-solving is a huge driver for kids and adults alike to master. That’s exactly what the show delivers!

Mickey Mouse (club house)

Mickey Mouse is a fun packed show featuring one of the most loved characters of all times! Thanks to Disney for giving birth to an invincible idol.

Little Einsteins

Little Einsteins is a group of kids who are hungry for experiments. It is a show that promotes scientific thinking without a doubt!

Curious George

Cartoon Characters– those 2-D and 3-D people we grow up with– have an important role in shaping our identity… Why do think people can’t resist a social test that tells them what caricature best describes them? There is a little bit of all these characters in us…

Mickey Mouse

From black and white to colour, from cartoon to people wearing costumes in theme parks, Mickey Mouse is almost everywhere. He has been around for a long time. He is an icon of all time.

Pop-eye

Popeye, the mellow sailor, who hardly ever raises his voice… There is one thing that he gets stokes with– a can of spinach! What a healthy thing to crave for. There is that and more. Olive Oyl and Brutus who keep adding to the element of action.

Tom and Jerry

Tom and Jerry, the fight never ends. They are cultural icons. They are so much a part of the society that even Matt Groenning couldn’t resist creating a cat and mouse pair for the Simpsons. Itchy and Scratchy… ring any bells?

Bugs Bunny

Bugs Bunny is one wacky hero who makes you fall in love with carrots… He gets all the carrots and he knows how to escape the devious stick.

Daffy Duck

Daffy Duck stands out in every way possible. So, there is a bomb chasing after you, it has a mind of its own… what do you? Duck all through. Daffy Duck has a wide repertoire.

Pink Panther

Pink Panther is the king of slapsticks! He loves the color pink, there is no doubt about it. Construction sites, car parks, a meadows, or at home Pink Panther is has a whole love lot of tricks up his sleeve.

Scrappy

Scrappy is one vicious puppy! He has a big mouth for someone so small. He cannot stop yapping about things that bug him. That is mostly what he does complain! He is gutsy too.

Scooby

Scooby is in one lost puppy. Even the slightest odd sound is enough to give him the jitters. He goes around trembling.

Spongebob

Spongebob is one-of-a-kind fry cook. He lives deep under the sea. What’s so special about him? He is a marine animal who looks like a dish sponge!

Fred Flintstone

Ways to ride the Yuletide this year. Wake up to the sounds of bells, rustles from gift wrappers, and chirps from every corner of the house. Here is a list of carols that is bound to set you adrift!

Silent Night

A solemn carol that fills you with peace. This is exactly what you need when you're caught in the madness of the festive season. Pause for a moment, and breathe easy!

Jingle Bells

Running low on energy? Here is something that will kick start your batteries... We're all wired to respond to this irresistible call to act.  Act now! Have fun!

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

If there is a friendly church community close to your place, this is one tune that will keep chiming throughout Noel!

Twelve Days of Christmas

Those twelve precious days that lead up to the day of epiphany!  Twelve Days of Christmas is one of the first carols to introduce the culture of sharing and gifting.

O Christmas Tree

What is one evergreen symbol that has stuck on to Christmas for centuries now? The generous Christmas Tree, of course. Thanks to the Germans, the 'Tannenbaum' is a permanent feature of the celebration.

I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing

 This is one of the brightest and most liveliest Carols ever. Just the chorus is enough to set your spirits soar.

Hark The Herald Angels Sing

This is one of those carols that is bound to soar your spirits high. It's a perpetual carol rounds tune... The loudest and the clearest message that Christmas is in the air!

The Holly and The Ivy

The Holly and The Ivy are important symbols in many ways. You find them in Christmas decorations for a reason. They, together with mistletoes have painted the season, red, green and white. However, Australians have summery hued decoration for Yule!

Away in a Manger

Away in a Manger is a song that's bound to bring tears to the eyes of even the most callous. It's a soulful song that will fill your heart with joy.

O Holy Night

There are some songs that might have played through, like soundtracks when you were young. Here are some songs that most kids like to play all through the day.

Heads Shoulders Knees and Toes

The ultimate snooze-buster. This will get a snoozing bunch of students on their toes. You can try this on teenagers too...

Here We Go 'Round The Mulberry Bush

A song that teaches routine! It's addictive, so your kids are bound to repeat the whole list over and over again, until they're practiced.  

One Two Buckle My Shoes

One Two Buckle My Shoes is a rhyme that will get your kids on their feet, and learn to count in no time. A great song to sing when you go for long walks with your little one. It is a song where you can divide parts... one person counts and the other sings the lines.

This Old Man

This Old Man is a wacky song that will help your little ones learn numbers as they anticipate this little old man's moves... It's addictive! It's a handclapping song. Go ahead, have fun!

Pop Goes The Weasel

Pop Goes The Weasel is an action song that is bound to get your little one animated. Pop, pop, pop! Have fun singing this one!

London Bridge Is Falling Down

London Bridge Is Falling Down is one of the most loved classic rhymes. You can make the long story short, and act it out!

Ten Green Bottles

Count backwards with Ten Green Bottles! This is a song that kids get introduced to even before they learn to write numbers. A pre-primer special!

In a Cabin In The Woods

Those of you gifted with theatrics, let your imagination wild. In a Cabin in the Woods is a song that you can beautifully enact. Get dramatic. Kids love it!

Round and Round the Garden

We assume that our kids are born with taste buds that can sense only crispies and fries. We live in an age where we would much rather stock munchies that is quick, easy, and less messy than the 'super-foods' that we most often read about.  

Are we projecting our own attitude towards healthy food on our kids? Ugh, pulp! Too seedy! Peeling the skin is a pain -- classic symptoms of 'pulp friction'. If that is where our 'assumption' comes from, we run the risk of passing it on to them. They are not buying what we're selling, because we have shown no interest in our own juicy proposition.

The irony is that when the fruits come in the form of a sugar-loaded roll, candy, or taffy we are more than happy to pop it in. Time to learn to appreciate the real deal.

One new slice or spoon at a time. Pick any fruit that you have always resisted. Run experiments and find out what makes it palatable for you -- a generous spoon of honey to some tart cranberry, or may be a pinch of salt to your banana, or a dash of lemon to a mellow melon?

It's like your first beer. Acquired taste is a healthy thing in this context. It does more good to your liver too! It's tonic. Keep having them in all forms you like. Remind yourself of all that you'll gain.

If you're allergic to the fruit, STEER AWAY from it. Forcing it on yourself can cause serious damages. The dangers range from temporary unconsciousness to sometimes even fatal. It is as bad as drinking alcohol with durian.

Earn more fans. Once you are convinced and are over your 'pulp friction'. You are all set for a campaign. You can win your kids' love for fruits too... Introduce them to jams, jellies, compote, pies and all things homemade. Make up songs, and list out all that they will get. You will witness the magic.  

The term Yoga stands for 'oneness' in every sense of being -- physical, emotional and spiritual. This marriage of all three cores is vital for a holistic growth. The earlier the better to make it a practice that is as natural as breathing. All you need is a mat, a 7/7 empty space, a willful mind, and body to get started. Initiate yourself into the practice before you invite your children.

Say hello and goodbye to the Sun. Begin and end your day with a symphony of breathing and stretches. Hatha Yoga is a combination of physical exercises called asanas, and synchronized inhalation-exhalation called 'pranayama'. The 10 or sometimes 12-step routine  that most Yoga lovers embrace, 'Surya Namaskar' , often translated as 'Sun Salutation' is the ultimate boost to your soul. It sets tone to the entire day. You feel energized from head to toe.

Breathe and set your body free with every posture. Your muscles need training. There are gentler ways to game them into being flexible -- asanas of course! You will learn a lot from your body as you start off. Your will be faced with your resistance. Your knees bend when you touch your toes -- either one bends when the other stretches -- you are out of breath when you get your posture 'right'. Practice lets your muscles relax. You need a Yoga trainer to ease your body into each of these postures. It is only a matter of time before get all acrobatic. Acroyoga is fast becoming a sport.

Stronger and together. Yoga practice empowers you in a way no other workout can. You feel collected. You are more in control of your body. If you're a classic 'klutz' you will notice your accidents dropping down to a dramatic low. When you have a stack of files in one hand, and coffee in the other... You can be sure you will be careful, will maintain balance. You may not be ready to carry a pile of china in one hand, and a pot of coffee in the other, but with practice you might!

Peace within and without. Your body feels soothed to the core. Your mind of course echoes that tranquility. Thanks to all the attention and focus that you have given your 'self'. You carry this positivity wherever you go. What sets Yoga apart as an exercise in this matter? You are kinder to your body and mind. It does not shoot up your Adrenalin as most other trainings do. You are sculpted from within and without. It is the 'pranayama' that makes all the difference.

Yoga as a way of life. A month of practice is enough for you to get into the mode. Come what may travel or a late-night party, you will learn to accommodate your session. Your attitude towards diet changes too. You will take time out to cook for yourself. This is exactly why you should get your children into the routine. They will love it so much, they will structure their day around this important ritual.

They chimed throughout your childhood; you cackled away at every funny refrain; you hear children singing and keep up the custom until today... Rhymes are timeless. Appu Series talks about how these verses have come to stay, pulsated through the ages and has been indispensible in the growth children.

The first introduction to any language is action packed. A child learns through onomatopoeic words... What do you make of the words ‘incywincy’ or ‘itsy-bitsy’? When you couple them with the finger-play, viola! Your child has made the first step to build his/her vocabulary, one of words and actions. Appu Series firmly believes in combining the aspects of music and movements for a rich learning experience.

An article on the Merill-Palmer Quarterly, notes that a sound introduction to rhymes kindles language learning in children of age 3 1/3 years and above. The study was conducted for over 15 months and the evidence showed that children who learned rhymes picked up language quicker that those who did not (Francis, July, 1987, p. 255)

Rhymes are not just verbal. They have a lilting rhythm in them. There is a set tempo in everything around us. Driving, biking or just walking in the streets demand a lot of speed-gauging techniques.

Rhythm is crucial. Unless you’re in synch with the pulse of traffic, you cannot smoothly get anywhere. In a study conducted by Jessica Phillips-Silver and Laurel. J. Trainor in 2005, they found a close connection between movement and rhythm in the cognitive functions of a child who starts with learning rhymes. (Jessica Phillips-Silver, June 3, 2005)

Rhymes definitely give a child that measured and mathematical acumen to navigate this world. It is fascinating to watch your child go through this journey of making sense of theirs world around. Words, objects, melody, rhythm ALL have a role to play.