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Nursery Rhymes: Singing and Playing

Nursery rhymes are a type of music specific to childhood. They are generally little rhythmic poems, which play with different rhymes and sounds and are therefore easy to learn. Nursery rhymes contribute to the learning process behind the acquisition of a language. Like any element of the oral tradition, most nursery rhymes have multiple versions, all acceptable. There are infinite variations of these childish tunes and their origin is hard to trace.

On the playground, in the classroom or at home, nursery rhymes go hand in hand with certain games. They can be used to choose or exclude a player, to pace an activity, or to gain access to an imaginary universe. Childhood comes alive again when we hear the titles Maman les petits bateaux (Mom , the little boats ), Bonjour madame (Hello, ma’am ! ), Une souris verte ( One green mouse ), Un éléphant ( One elephant ), Crème glacée ( Ice cream ), Pomme de reinette et pomme d’api ( Russet apple, lady apple ), just to name a few.

Strongly influenced by the French oral tradition, nursery rhymes are passed from generation to generation by parents and teachers. Over time, children’s songs have evolved and become imbued with the cultural heritage of the country. In Québec, many rhymes, like La poulette grise are regional. Some are even influenced by TV shows, such as Passe-Partout .