Children have a natural love of rhymes and songs. But what is it that they like about them, and why is it so important that we use them?

Rhymes and songs lead to language development. The strong rhythm of rhymes and songs helps babies absorb the natural pattern of language. Babies that are introduced to a rich vocabulary have the opportunity to learn new words.

Rhymes and songs encourage bonding. When parents hold, rock and touch their babies, the close physical contact helps establish an emotional bond. Rhymes and action songs also build memory skills, motor skills and early literacy skills. They inspire creativity and to top it all off they are a whole lot of fun!

Come and join Sarah on Tuesday mornings at 10am for weekly sessions of rhyme, rhythm and song. Rhyme Time sessions are approximately 20-30 minutes long and suitable for babies up to 24 months old.

Thursday mornings at 11am, pre-schoolers, parents and caregivers can join in the story time fun.

Story time offers a selection of stories, rhymes and songs and includes a simple craft that everyone can enjoy. These sessions are approximately 45 minutes long. The program is aimed towards toddlers and pre-schoolers, designed to encourage a love of reading, stimulate the imagination and enable social interaction with other children outside the home. Story time also provides an introduction to a wide range of children's books and can be a special sharing time with your child. Come and listen to the stories, sing some of your favourite nursery rhymes and create something crafty.

Enjoy the free sessions at the Ararat Regional Library with Baby Rhyme time on Tuesday mornings at 10am and Pre-school Storytime on Thursdays at 11am.

For more information regarding Baby Rhyme Time and Storytime sessions contact Ararat Regional Library on (03) 53 521 722 or go to www.ararat.vic.gov.au.