Rhyme Challenge 2023-24

It’s here – the 2023-24 Bradford Libraries Rhyme Challenge has arrived!

Get singing, get rhyming, get talking, get reading…

The Rhyme Challenge is a fun way to introduce children and families to rhymes. Rhymes may be new to families or forgotten, and they require help to build up confidence to have a go themselves.

Young children learn best through seeing someone they know well doing things, and through repetition.

Rhymes can be shared almost anywhere - in the car or bus, the bath, in the supermarket. You can use rhymes during less popular activities to encourage children, for example, tidy up time, nappy changing, going to bed. Finally, rhymes are a great way to get children started on their lifelong reading journey!

Are you a nursery, reception or toddler group? to order a pack email: susan.brewster-craig@bradford.gov.uk.

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The challenge will take place in libraries, toddler groups and nurseries across the district. Library dates are as follows:

Burley Library – 9.30am Tuesday 9, 16, 23 and 30 January
Ilkley Library – 10am Thursday 11, 18, 25 January and 1 February
Bingley Library – 2.15pm Thursday 11, 18, 25 January and 1 February
Eccleshill Library – 2.30pm Monday 15, 22, 29 January and 5 February
Shipley Library – 9.15am and 9.50am Wednesday 17, 24, 31 January and 7 February
Manningham Library – 1.30pm Friday 19, 26 January and 2, 9 February
City Library – 10am Wednesday 24, 31 January and 7, 14 February
Wibsey Library – 10am Monday 29 January and 5, 12, 19 February
Keighley Library – 11am Saturday 3, 10, 17 January and 24 February
Clayton Library – 10am Thursday 8, 15, 22 January and 29 February
Thornton Library – 11am Wednesday 21, 28 February and 6, 13 March
Menston Library – 10.30am Thursday 22, 29 February and 7, 14 March
Idle Library – 9.15am Monday 4, 11, 18, 25 March
Wyke Library – 2pm Tuesday 5, 12, 19, 26 March
Heaton Hub Library – 11.30am Thursday 7, 14, 21, 28 March
Holme Wood Library – 11.30am Thursday 4, 11, 18, 25 April
Café West Allerton Library – 1.30pm Wednesday 17, 24 April and 1, 8 May
Great Horton Library – 12 noon Thursday 9, 16, 23, 30 May
Queensbury Library – 11am Saturday 13 April and 18 May

The rhymes this year are *drum roll*

1. I Had A Little Turtle
2. Hop A Little, Jump A Little
3. A Sailor Went To Sea Sea Sea
4. Run Run Run All Day To The Library
5. Brother John (Urdu)
6. Brother John (English)

You can access the rhyme sheets here.

Please note that we know that the rhyme sheets are not accessible. If you need help reading the information in them, please contact susan.brewster-craig@bradford.gov.uk.

Families that complete the challenge can also be in with a chance to win this lovely Gruffalo story sack or a great nursery rhyme set.

So what are you waiting for! Get singing, get rhyming, get talking, get reading....

Want to watch the Rhymes? You Tube video links are below – a massive thanks to Rachael Dennis from 50 Things Bradford for contributing these. Audio clips too!

I Had A Little Turtle
Hop A Little, Jump A Little
A Sailor Went To Sea Sea Sea
Run Run Run All Day To The Library
Brother John (English)
Brother John (Urdu)

Schools and nursery settings – check out the instructions below on how to undertake the challenge. To order a pack email: susan.brewster-craig@bradford.gov.uk.

• Instructions for the challenge and the prize draw (PDF)
• Benefits of rhyme and entry to the rhyme challenge awards (PDF)

The benefits of rhymes

• Rhymes are often repetitive and make the words easier to learn, especially when they are sung.
• They are a fun way for a child to acquire language skills and great building blocks for future learning.
• Most rhymes involve some physical interaction, which adds fun, surprise and anticipation.
• They give children a sense of story with a beginning, middle and end and an awareness of sounds.
• Rhymes introduce numbers, colours, shapes, animals, parts of the body etc.
• Help develop concentration and listening skills.
• They help parents to overcome feeling shy or awkward when talking to very young children.
• Help parents and carers realise how important they are as their child’s first teacher.
• Sharing rhymes help bonding and togetherness between children and parents and carers.