Nursery Rhyme Peg Dolls

The Queen of Hearts

She made some tarts,

All on a summer’s day

The knave of Hearts

He stole the tarts

And took them clean away.

The King of Hearts

Called for the tarts

And berated the Knave full sore

The Knave of Hearts

Brought back the tarts

And vowed he’d steal no more.

I am starting a new project.  I intend to make peg dolls depicting characters from Nursery Rhymes.  Nursery rhymes are perfect for young children for language development and pre-reading skills giving the child experiences in repetition, rhyming, sequencing, phonics, patterns, vocabulary, memorization, etc.  I could go on and write a whole article as it can not be overstated how important traditional nursery rhymes are.

I used them frequently in my Waldorf kindergarten not only during circle or story time but they were wonderful for transition times, helping us all to gently make our way to another part of the day.

Nursery rhymes also (like fairy tales) introduce children to archetypal characters and situations in a way that young souls can take in as soul food.. Many adults are struck by what they see as images of gender-bias, aggression or evil in these traditional children's songs, poems and tales.  However, when an educator or parent chooses developmentally appropriate ones the child takes in what he/she needs for emotional growth.

As a parent, I used them often during the many times we were waiting.  Imagine being in the grocery store check out line.  Your child is fussing with fatigue or over stimulation (candy, bright lights, noise).  Take out a little peg doll and begin to recite the nursery rhyme.  Recite it for the recommended three times (or more) to distract and soothe your child.
If you would like to know more about Nursery Rhymes click here.

I find that peg dolls stand sturdily on a table for storytelling, unlike un-weighted table puppets or needle felted puppets which fall over when either an adult or child is using them.  Or they fit easily in a pocket or purse to be brought out as needed, where ever you are.

A variety of these miniature dolls can be found on Etsy.  Click here for my shop.

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