1. Introduction
Nursery rhymes have a long tradition in Great Britain. Adults still
remember the short verses their parents have told them when they were
children. So these rhymes are part of the English culture.
In English lessons German pupils in primary school also have to learn
about the English culture so that they get an impression of children’s life in
a foreign country. Cultural awareness is part of the curriculum. Nursery
Rhymes are important in English children’s life. So German children have
to learn about it. Rhyme, rhythm and chunks are useful for language
learning. The rhymes help the children to get to know the English
sentence structure.
These arguments show that young people who want to become a primary
teacher have to know about nursery rhymes. Where do they come from?
What is so fascinating about them? Are they useful in the primary
classroom? In this essay I would like to find out about it.
2. The origin of nursery rhymes
Nursery rhymes are oral literature children are confronted with. First –
when they are still babies – their mothers sing lullabies to them. Here the
tune is more important than the words (vgl. Opie, 2002, page 177).
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The origin of nursery rhymes
- 3. Characteristics of nursery rhymes
- 4. Different types of nursery rhymes
- 5. Nursery rhymes in the primary classroom
- 6. Research on the effect of nursery rhymes on reading and writing
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to explore the origins, characteristics, and pedagogical uses of nursery rhymes in the English language, specifically within the context of primary education. The research investigates the cultural significance of these rhymes, their role in language acquisition, and their lasting impact on children's lives.
- The historical development and origins of nursery rhymes.
- The linguistic and cultural characteristics of nursery rhymes.
- The pedagogical applications of nursery rhymes in primary classrooms.
- The impact of nursery rhymes on language development (reading and writing).
- The cultural significance of nursery rhymes in English-speaking societies.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the importance of studying nursery rhymes in the context of English language learning for German primary school pupils. It highlights the cultural significance of nursery rhymes in British culture and argues for their inclusion in the curriculum to foster cultural awareness and enhance language acquisition. The chapter lays the groundwork for the subsequent exploration of the origins, characteristics, and pedagogical uses of these rhymes.
2. The origin of nursery rhymes: This chapter delves into the historical evolution of nursery rhymes, tracing their origins from lullabies and songs passed down through generations to their eventual compilation into published books. It explores the different names used for these rhymes across different time periods and geographical locations, including "Mother Goose Rhymes." The chapter also examines the social history reflected in these rhymes, noting the evolution of societal attitudes towards children and the content deemed appropriate for them. The anonymity and oral transmission of many rhymes present challenges in precisely dating their origins, leading to various interpretations and the creation of "shadow personalities" for some characters.
3. Characteristics of nursery rhymes: This chapter examines the defining features of nursery rhymes, highlighting their simplicity, musicality, and often nonsensical nature. It discusses the presence of memorable characters and the balance between extravagance and irresponsibility in their content. The chapter further explores the diverse range of nursery rhymes, from baby games and dandling rhymes to those associated with specific situations or learning concepts like the alphabet or numbers. The chapter emphasizes the rhymes' strong rhythm and memorability, factors contributing to their effectiveness in language learning and their enduring presence in children's lives. The chapter also cites research on children's perceptions of what constitutes a "nursery rhyme."
Keywords
Nursery rhymes, oral tradition, language acquisition, primary education, cultural awareness, British culture, linguistic characteristics, pedagogical applications, historical development, children's literature.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Nursery Rhymes
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of nursery rhymes, including their origins, characteristics, pedagogical uses, and impact on language development. It serves as a preview, offering a table of contents, chapter summaries, objectives, key themes, and keywords.
What topics are covered in the document?
The document covers the historical development and origins of nursery rhymes, their linguistic and cultural characteristics, their pedagogical applications in primary classrooms, their impact on language development (reading and writing), and their cultural significance in English-speaking societies.
What are the key themes explored in the document?
Key themes include the historical evolution of nursery rhymes, their role in language acquisition, their cultural significance, and their effective use in primary education to foster cultural awareness and enhance language skills. The document also explores the challenges in dating the origins of many anonymously-passed rhymes and how this has impacted understanding their evolution.
What are the main chapters and their content?
The document is structured into six chapters: an introduction establishing the importance of studying nursery rhymes; a chapter on their origins tracing their evolution from lullabies; a chapter on their characteristics highlighting their simplicity, musicality, and memorability; a chapter on different types of nursery rhymes; a chapter on their use in primary classrooms; and finally, a chapter on research examining their impact on reading and writing skills. Each chapter summary provides a detailed overview of its content.
What is the target audience of this document?
While not explicitly stated, the document seems geared towards educators, researchers, and students interested in the study of children's literature, language acquisition, and cultural studies, particularly within the context of primary education.
What are the keywords associated with this document?
Keywords include Nursery rhymes, oral tradition, language acquisition, primary education, cultural awareness, British culture, linguistic characteristics, pedagogical applications, historical development, and children's literature.
What is the significance of studying nursery rhymes?
The document argues that studying nursery rhymes is important for fostering cultural awareness, enhancing language acquisition (particularly for German primary school pupils learning English), and understanding the historical and social context reflected in these rhymes.
How do nursery rhymes impact language development?
The document suggests that the simplicity, musicality, and memorability of nursery rhymes contribute significantly to language development, particularly in reading and writing. Further research on this impact is also mentioned.
What are the challenges in researching the origins of nursery rhymes?
The anonymity and oral transmission of many nursery rhymes pose challenges in precisely dating their origins, leading to diverse interpretations and the creation of "shadow personalities" for some characters.
- Citation du texte
- Alexandra Zuralski (Auteur), 2005, The fascination of nursery rhymes, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/93423
