To make any activity more rhythmic, it’s helpful to connect the process with a bit of melody, especially for kids five or under. The steps along the way can be sung—no arias needed, just a singsongy delivery. Washing hands before dinner? That’s it! “A little soap, a little water, rub and scrub until the bubbles come!” Hand washing is then tied (in time) to the meal, it is tied (in feeling) to the physical sensations involved, and it is tied (aurally) to a little melody, heard and also sung.
