Vol.6 No.

3 2023

ECO-LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF NURSERY RHYMES: EXPLORING THE

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF VOCABULARY AND WORDS ON CHILDREN
CONSCIOUSNESS

Marryam Shakeel
Mphil Scholar, Department Of English
National University Of Modern Languages
Email: [email protected]
Muhammad Farukh Arslan
Lecturer , Department Of English
National University of Modern Languages
Email: [email protected]

Abstract
In order to explore the field of early childhood education, this qualitative study analyses 50 nursery rhymes using
ecolinguistics. This study investigates how early exposure to words related to the environment affects young
children's language development. The research focuses on the frequency and contextual usage of environmental
terminology, food-related objects, and bird and animal names. The study also examines the intrinsic rhythmic
patterns and repetitions of nursery rhymes, which help children, become more engaged and memorable, ultimately
improving their language development. The findings highlight the importance of integrating environmentally
conscious language practices in early childhood learning resources and have implications for educators, parents,
and curriculum designers. The study contributes to the growing field of ecolinguistics.
Keywords: Ecolinguistic Analysis, nursery rhymes, Children Consciousness
Introduction
At the nexus of linguistics and ecology, ecolinguistics is a fascinating discipline that examines
the complex interplay of language, culture, and environment. The role that language plays in
forming ecological consciousness has drawn more attention in recent years, especially when it
comes to early childhood education. This study aims to investigate how vocabulary and words
affect children's environmental awareness, acknowledging the critical role language plays in
influencing how people view, interact with, and grow to feel responsible for the natural world.
Early children are a crucial time for fostering favourable ecological attitudes because of the fast
language and cognitive development that occurs throughout this period. During this formative
era, infants are greatly influenced by the words and phrases they hear and meet in their
environment. As a theoretical framework, ecolinguistics offers a prism through which we may
investigate how language becomes a means of communicating ecological themes, particularly in
the setting of nursery rhymes and poetry. The investigation includes a qualitative examination of
fifty well selected nursery rhymes with the goal of locating and classifying vocabulary related to
the natural world, cuisine, and animals. Ecology-related words such as "sky," "stars," "sun,"
"clouds," and "moon" will be analysed for their frequency as well as how they are used in
context within the rhymes. The study also explores how children's understanding of biodiversity
is impacted by food-related phrases like "cake" and the meaning of animal and bird names like
"monkey," "rat," "elephant," "dog," and "cat."

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There is more to comprehending these words' effects on the environment than merely analysing
language quantitatively. It requires a qualitative investigation of the ways in which these
concepts are used in the language and imaginative settings of children's stories. These rhymes'
engaging vocabulary, rhythmic patterns, and repetitions make them memorable and engaging to
listen to, which may have an impact on young people's developing ecological consciousness.
The goal of this study is to make a significant contribution to the field of ecolinguistics, and
early childhood education. The study intends to provide insight on the potential of language,
particularly through nursery rhymes, as a catalyst for promoting good attitudes and a sense of
self by revealing the complex relationships between language acquisition and environmental
awareness in the early stages of learning.
Literature Review
"Natural ecology," as if people were not a part of the natural world, or a "symbolic ecology," as
if symbols interacted with one another similarly to how organisms do, is less necessary when
considering ecology. Of course, cognition and sociocultural influences are crucial, but they do
not require consideration as a distinct "sociocultural ecology" or "cognitive ecology." Rather,
they can be seen as variables impacting people's actions, and as such having an effect on the
ecology of organisms that interact. For instance, as opposed to believing that a particular
environmental law is contained within a "symbolic ecology's potential to impact real-world
physical ecology through its repercussions for how humans handle environments that sustain life.
(Stibbe, 2015)
Awny (2023) conducted research in order to examine Wishtree by Katherine Alice Applegate
from an ecolinguistic standpoint, this article highlighted the conspicuous and prominent ways in
which the non-Children aspects of nature—represented in the book by the tree Red, the crow
Bongo, and the other birds and animals—are portrayed. Ecolinguistics focuses on the role of
language in elevating the significance and prominence of the non-Children world, in contrast to
other branches of linguistics that focus on the role of language in Children-to-Children
communication without accounting for the larger environmental context. The study looks at
whether the novel has the salient patterns that Stibbe (2015) discussed in his ecolinguistics
framework and whether they are used for the same objective—that is, to highlight and exhibit
non-Children animals.
Majeed (2022) conducted a study which evaluated the English textbooks for grades 9 and 10
from an ecolinguistic standpoint using Stibbe's framework. Although there are more categories in
this framework, only three were used in this investigation. Erasure, metaphor, and adjectives are
these three categories. Erasure, Adjectives, and Metaphors are assessed using corpus and
qualitative study approaches. There are two processes in the formation of a corpus. These books
were first downloaded in PDF format from the freebooks.pk website. Secondly, all of the PDF
files were manually transformed into TXT formats so that general research could be conducted
and the files could be changed and searched. AntConc software is utilised all along the way. The
results show how often adjectives connected to ecolinguistics are used in grade-level of 9th and
10th class English textbooks. There were eighty adjectives in all. There were twenty-nine
metaphors with a frequency of 9.666% and eleven passive voices with a frequency of 3.666%.
The most often used tale is evaluation, which appears 26.666 percent of the time. According to
this study, elementary and secondary schools should use methodical approaches to give children

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the skills and information they need to understand their surroundings via assessment, erasure,
and metaphors.
Gach (2015) investigated that how the notion of NATURE is represented linguistically in
African American poetry. It has been demonstrated that nature, as a comparatively autonomous
cultural and intellectual reality, embodies the customs and cultural and aesthetic ideals of a
language society. The study is conducted as part of an investigation of nineteenth- and twentieth-
century African American nature poetry. The techniques of cognitive and eco-critical discourse
analysis are intended to read dynamic material in a way that highlights the key components of
the idea NATURE that is distinctive to the African American community. The study's diachronic
breadth facilitates the tracing of the notion of NATURE's inception and development, as well as
the comparative examination of its constituent aspects throughout centuries in African American
poetry. The study's findings demonstrated that African Americans' conception of nature—which
is reflected in the dichotomy of ideas like "life and death," "hostility and refuge," "wilderness
and paradise," etc.—is the result of ongoing struggles with white civilization as well as external
historical and cultural influences.
Gaard (1997) discussed Ecofeminism and Wilderness and explored the relationship between eco-
feminist theory and the idea of wildness. Gaard discussed the methodology of her study, which
focuses on examining the connection between gender and the environment via a feminist
viewpoint. The procedure entailed a close examination of ecological theory, wilderness-related
cultural conceptions, and eco-feminist literature. In particular, Gaard looked critically at how
gendered viewpoints marginalise and objectify women and environment in prevailing patriarchal
narratives, which in turn affects how people see and utilize wilderness places. The study's
findings highlighted the relationship between ecofeminism and wilderness preservation,
highlighting the significance of identifying and combating gendered power dynamics and their
ecological ramifications in environmental ethics and activism.
Glotfelty (1996) conducted Eco-criticism Reader as Landmarks in Literary Ecology which is a
seminal work in the subject of eco-criticism. This groundbreaking study examined the
connection between literature and the environment via an extensive collection of articles and
literary passages. The method of gathering these works as an interdisciplinary approach that
looked at how literature addresses ecological challenges and broadens our awareness of the
natural world by including ideas from a variety of literary and environmental viewpoints. The
outcome of this study was an interesting and varied anthology with contributions from a range of
academics and authors that emphasizes significant advancements in eco-critical philosophy.
Research Question
This study aims to challenge following questions as follows:
1. What effects does the incorporation of ideas from environmental perception into nursery
rhymes have on children' language development?
2. How do these nursery rhymes contribute for children's language and cognitive
development?
3. To what extent does exposure to nursery rhymes serve as a tool in ecological education in
the early stage of children learning?

Methodology

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This study has followed a qualitative content analysis on the chosen poems. The analysis has
concentrated on the poems' emotional and psychological effects on readers' environmental
consciousness as well as their ecological topics and linguistic choices. To guarantee a wide range
of poetic expression, the research starts by choosing a sample of 50 poems that is representative
of different historical periods, genres, and styles. These poems cover a broad spectrum of topics,
from urban and industrial environments to nature and environmental problems.
The study begins with a detailed linguistic analysis of each poem, in which word choices and
terminology are methodically classified and measured. The focus of this category is on terms and
phrases that are related to nature, the environment, sustainability, and ecological consciousness.
It is based on thematic relevance and ecological importance.. Through evaluations, the study then
looks at the cognitive impacts of the lexicon that has been found on Children awareness. This
multidisciplinary method makes it possible to thoroughly investigate how poetic language
choices affect readers' awareness of the environment.
Overall, this research offers a comprehensive understanding of how poetry's vocabulary and
words can influence environmental awareness and advance eco-linguistic studies by fusing a
qualitative analysis of the language content of poetry with a quantitative evaluation of its effect
on Children consciousness.
Analysis
1. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Star, Sky, Night, Wonder, Moon ,Sun
Explanation/ Reason
"Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" offers a multimodal experience in addition to make learning fun.
It supports language development and cognitive comprehension in kids by assisting them in
connecting words with visual representations. Exploration of the natural world and the night sky
may also pique people's interest and enthusiasm for learning about the globe.

2. Row, Row, Row, Your Boat

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Explanation/ Reason
It facilitates language development and memory retention in kids by teaching them to correlate
words with visual representations.

3. The Wheels on the Bus

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Tree ,Sun, Cloud, Rain, Town
Explanation/ Reason
"The Wheels on the Bus" focuses on aspects of daily life, such as transportation, rather than
featuring animals or birds. Children's ability to link the rhyme to their own experiences is aided
by this familiarity, which promotes linguistic and cognitive development. The rhyme's repeating
quality helps with language learning and memory retention as well.

4. Five Little Ducks

Words related to Ecology/ Environment

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Hills, Rivers
Animal / Birds Name
Ducks
Explanation/ Reason
"Five Little Ducks" offer children a multifaceted educational experience. The rhyme promotes
social, emotional, and cognitive development by incorporating nature, emotional themes, and
numerical 6ideas. In an enjoyable and participatory approach, the rhyme's aural input and the
artist's visual interaction through drawing improve understanding and memory recall.

5. If You’re Happy and You Know It

Parts of body/ Things/ Foods
Happy ,Hands, Feet, Face
Explanation/ Reason
These all words transform the rhyme into a comprehensive, multisensory teaching tool that
engages kids on an intellectual and physical level. Additionally, the diversity guarantees that kids
with varying learning styles may still get something out of the exercise.

6. Old Macdonald Had a Farm

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Quack (sound)
Animal / Birds Name
Cow, Pig, Duck
Places Name
Macdonald, Farm
Explanation/ Reason
For Children, "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" offers practical experiences. It incorporates
intellectual learning about the environment and animals, visual involvement through sketching,
and aural stimulation through rhyming. In a playful and engaging way, this multisensory method
improves language learning, memory retention, and cognitive development.

7. Humpty Dumpty
Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Fall (as in the season)
Animal / Birds Name
Horses
Places Name
Wall
Explanation/ Reason
Children are engaged by the nursery rhyme "Humpty Dumpty" through a combination of human
components and fundamental environmental principles. Drawing and classifying these
components promotes an awareness of cause and effect, spatial relationships, and the links
between humans and animals, all of which contribute to cognitive development.

8. Baa, Baa, Black Sheep

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Words related to Ecology/ Environment

Wool
Animal / Birds Name
Sheep
Places Name
Lane
Explanation/ Reason
This multimodal method improves understanding and recall of information. A sense of belonging
to the world and comprehension of commonplace objects and surrounds are also fostered by
learning about animals and the environment.

9. Hickory Dickory Dock

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Nature
Parts of body/ Things/ Foods Sheep
Clock
Animal / Birds Name
Mouse
Explanation/ Reason
"Hickory Dickory Dock" has a particular emphasis on topics relating to time and animals. With
this focused approach, kids develop a better grasp of the natural and man-made components of
their environment. The rhyme provides a memorable framework for education, enhancing the fun
and engagement of learning new ideas.

10. Its Bitsy Spidery

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Tree, Sun, Rain, Water spout
Animal / Birds Name
Spider
Explanation/ Reason
A comprehensive learning experience is produced by the rhyme's use of terms related to nature
and the environment along with an animal (a spider). In addition to learning about the weather,
kids also get a rudimentary grasp of how various creatures behave, which helps with their
cognitive and sensory development.
Children are able to emotionally connect with the characters through the use of a straightforward
tale centered on the itsy bitsy spider, which increases engagement and helps with memory
retention.

11. Jack and Jill

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Hill, Water, Nature
Explanation/ Reason
The straightforward narrative of "Jack and Jill" presents a situation in a natural context, serving
as a foundation for educating kids about their surroundings. Sketching these components

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improves understanding of the natural environment and spatial awareness. The tale element also
aids with memory recall and storytelling abilities.

12. Mary Had a Little Lamb

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Snow
Parts of body/ Things/ Foods Sheep
Teacher
Animal / Birds Name
Lamb
Explanation/ Reason
The rhyme's story gives the words context, which promotes language development and
understanding. The animal's presence in the rhyme also gives it a creative and emotional touch,
which enhances the learning process.

13. Hey Diddle Diddle

Animal / Birds Name
Cat, Cow, Little Dog
Explanation/ Reason
Children's imaginations and inventiveness are stimulated by "Hey Diddle Diddle" because of its
blend of heavenly elements, animals, and amusing characters. Children are encouraged to
explore the world beyond their local surroundings by the poem, which also incorporates aspects
of imagination. This improves language acquisition while arousing interest in the outside world
and the variety of living things.

14. London Bridge is Falling Down

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
River
Parts of body/ Things/ Foods Sheep
Silver, Gold
Places Name
Bridge
Explanation/ Reason
"London Bridge is Falling Down" offers a singular chance to combine artificial and natural
components. The poem promotes an awareness of the interaction between human constructions
and the surrounding environment by acting as a bridge—pun intended—between the constructed
environment and the natural world. Children are encouraged to investigate their surroundings
and the creative processes that have shaped them through this all-encompassing approach.

15. The Alphabet Song ABC

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Tree, Sun, Sky, Cloud
Explanation/ Reason

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Even though the alphabet is the main topic of this specific rhyme, include environmental
components enhances the learning process. Children learn more visibly when they draw, which
strengthens the link between letters and actual objects.

16. Old King Cole

Parts of body/ Things/ Foods Sheep
Bowl, Pipe
Explanation/ Reason
There are no references to birds or animals in this specific poem. But this may also be a chance
to talk about how some aspects of other genres of literature are missing. It helps kids discover
that not all stories have the same features and to investigate a variety of subjects.

17. Ring a Ring o’Roses

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Roses, Poises
Explanation/ Reason
This poem offers a chance to learn about the natural world via the representation of flowers, even
if it doesn't specifically mention animals or birds. Children's creativity is encouraged and their
visual-spatial abilities are strengthened via drawing and classifying rhyme's material. The
rhyme's repetition helps with memory retention and language development as well.

18. Pat-a-Cake, Pat-a-Cake

Parts of body/ Things/ Foods Sheep
Cake, Oven
Explanation/ Reason
This specific rhyme offers a chance to talk about the relationship between natural materials,
man-made items (like ovens), and baking even if it may not specifically mention animals or
birds. By making connections between language and comprehension abilities and everyday
events, this all-encompassing strategy helps children's cognitive growth.

19. Little Bo-Peep

Animal / Birds Name
Sheep (tails)
Explanation/ Reason
A gentle introduction to the natural world and the concept of animal care is provided by Little
Bo-Peep. Sketching these components fosters children's empathy and inspires imaginative play
by illustrating the relationship between a shepherd and her sheep. The rhyme's repetition helps
with memory retention and language development.

20. Little Miss Muffet

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Tuffet (A grassy mound)
Animal / Birds Name

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Spider
Explanation/ Reason
In conclusion, incorporating natural and animal themes into the "Little Miss Muffet" visual aid
enhances children's educational experience. It facilitates their ability to make connections
between the rhyme's words and the outside world, which advances cognitive growth and
cultivates an appreciation for the natural world and all of its inhabitants.

21. Three Blind Mice

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Trees, Nature Path
Parts of body/ Things/ Foods
Craving Knife
Animal / Birds Name
Mice, Tails
Places Name
Farmer’s Fields
Explanation/ Reason
Combining the rhyme's many elements enables kids to have a deeper comprehension of the story.
It fosters creative thinking, memory retention, and cognitive abilities.
Using creative, visual, and aural elements, this method gives kids the opportunity to interact with
the poem on several levels and provides a well-rounded educational experience.

22. Rock-a-bye Baby

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Treetop, Wind, Bough
Explanation/ Reason
This rhyme offers a chance to talk about the ideas of wind, trees, and the outdoors even if it
doesn't specifically mention animals or birds. In addition to improving children's visual and
cognitive abilities, drawing these aspects encourages them to explore and appreciate their
environment and starts talks about nature.
By connecting words to concrete events and things, this exercise helps children develop their
language skills while igniting their sense of wonder and curiosity about the outside world.

23. Baby Bumble Bee

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Sting, Yucky
Parts of body/ Things/ Foods
Honey
Animal / Birds Name
Bee
Explanation/ Reason

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Children are drawn into the poem by its use of natural elements like honey and bees. Learning
gains emotional depth when sensory experiences such as the "yucky" feeling are included.
Emotional intelligence and memory retention can both be improved by this emotional
connection. The connection between bee stings and safety also teaches kids to be mindful of their
surroundings and to be careful.
Children may make a visual connection between these aspects by sketching and categorising,
which strengthens their comprehension of the natural world and its inhabitants. This multimodal
method promotes emotional awareness, cognitive abilities, and linguistic development.

24. Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed

Parts of body/ Things/ Foods
Bed, Head, Doctor
Animal / Birds Name
Monkeys
Explanation/ Reason
By connecting the rhyme to actual objects—such as a bed, head, or doctor—you may promote
cognitive growth and strengthen the connections between words and their meanings.
Children may express their imagination and visualise the rhyme's settings via drawing, which
encourages a love of storytelling and imaginative play.
Children participate in a multimodal learning experience that enhances their cognitive, linguistic,
and emotional development when these components are incorporated into drawing exercises.

25. Five Little Speckled Frogs

Parts of body/ Things/ Foods
Log, Pool
Animal / Birds Name
Bugs, Frogs
Explanation/ Reason
Children may reinforce what they've learnt visually and tactilely by classifying and sketching
aspects from the poem. Drawing helps with fine motor skills, memory recall, and cultivating an
appreciation of the natural world and its people. The poem's rhythmic quality promotes both
rhythm perception and language development.

26. Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes

Parts of body/ Things/ Foods
Head, Shoulder, Knees, Toes, Eyes, Ears , Mouth, Nose
Explanation/ Reason
Adding aspects of nature to well-known rhymes creates a multisensory experience. Children
benefit from learning that is relevant and interesting by forming associations between bodily
parts and objects in their environment. Even if there are no animals or birds in this particular
rhyme, it offers a chance to broaden the learning process by include relevant aspects in the
drawing exercise.

27. One, Two, Buckle My Shoes

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Parts of body/ Things/ Foods

Door , Shoe
Explanation/ Reason
Children may reinforce their comprehension of language and the outside world in addition to
having fun with a creative activity when they engage with the rhyme's aspects through
categorising and sketching. This method cultivates a passion for education and language study.

28. Bingo
Parts of body/ Things/ Foods
Farmer
Animal / Birds Name
Dog
Explanation/ Reason
"Bingo" is a straightforward story of a farmer and his dog, giving kids a framework to
investigate the concepts of farms, animals, and the environment. The rhyme's recurrence helps
with memory retention, and its connection to everyday objects promotes language learning and
cognitive growth.

29. The Farmer in the Dell

Parts of body/ Things/ Foods
Nurse, Wife, Child, Cheese, Farmer, Dell
Animal / Birds Name
Cow, Dog, Cat , Rat
Explanation/ Reason
Through classifying and sketching the components of "The Farmer in the Dell," kids interact
with a range of ideas, including family, nature, and individuality. The rhyme is a multipurpose
tool that helps young minds develop socially, emotionally, and cognitively.

30. The Itsy Bitsy Pumpkin

Parts of body/ Things/ Foods
Pumpkin , Spooky gate , Bats, Gates , Sheet, Gates
Explanation/ Reason
Incorporating that use rhymes from the Halloween story engage kids in a fun and creative way.
In addition to improving language development, this fosters original thought and the capacity to
link disparate ideas.
Recall that the secret is to give kids an engaging and joyful learning environment. Integrating
educational pursuits with enjoyable pursuits like illustration and rhymes with themes might
enhance a child's overall growth.

31. I’m a Little Teapot

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Steam, Shout
Parts of body/ Things/ Foods
Teapot

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Explanation/ Reason
Children are introduced to the notion of commonplace items and behaviours through "I'm a Little
Teapot". It may not be specifically related to nature or animals, but by introducing new words
and idioms, it helps language development. The rhyme's rhythmic and repeating structure helps
with language learning and memory retention. It also promotes movement since kids want to
imitate the activities in the rhyme, which helps them with motor skills and coordination.

32. Five Little Pumpkins

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Air, Wing, Light
Parts of body/ Things/ Foods
Pumpkins, Gate, Witches
Explanation/ Reason
Recall that while not all nursery rhymes feature birds or animals, they all support various facets
of a child's growth. In this instance, the fall-related components and the visual depictions of
pumpkins, gates, wind, and light are highlighted.

33. Rain Go Away

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Rain, Day
Parts of body/ Things/ Foods
Children
Explanation/ Reason
Using visual aids to help children link words from the poem, this practise promotes vocabulary
development. Furthermore, showing everyday situations like play and rain helps children
understand and make connections to their experiences in the actual world. The artwork'
lighthearted style also fosters emotional and creative growth.

34. Down By the Bay

Parts of body/ Things/ Foods
Watermelon, Home, Bay, Moose, Goose
Explanation/ Reason
Children learn to recognise and interact with their surroundings via the categorization and
sketching of these aspects. The range of components—from fruits to animals—broadens
vocabulary and improves observational abilities, which supports cognitive growth. The
whimsical quality of the rhyme adds to the enjoyment of learning.

35. Ten in the Bed

Parts of body/ Things/ Foods
Bed, Roll voer
Explanation/ Reason
A short, repeating rhyme called "Ten in the Bed" helps with social interaction, number
recognition, and sequencing. The relatability and cognitive engagement of the rhyme are

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increased by including items from the child's immediate surroundings and establishing a
character.
Recall that these components work best when they can establish a connection with a child's
reality, which makes learning engaging and relevant. The poem helps young children's cognitive
and emotional development by offering a fun setting for counting and social dynamics.

36. I Had a Little Turtle

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Water, Bubbles
Parts of body/ Things/ Foods
Bathtub
Animal / Birds Name
Turtle
Explanation/ Reason
The plot may be made concrete and visually represented by classifying and sketching various
aspects from the poem. This helps children's linguistic and cognitive development by improving
understanding and memory recall.
Playing imaginative games, such as making up nursery rhymes, with the outdoors and animals
promotes a child's cognitive, emotional, and sensory growth. For young brains, learning is made
more relevant and pleasurable by the familiar setting of ordinary activities, such as taking a bath.

37. The Muffin Man

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Nature
Animal / Birds Name
Lane
Explanation/ Reason
Despite lacking much information connected to nature or animals, the Muffin Man rhyme helps
kids learn English because it introduces them to the idea of a "lane." In addition to improving
phonological awareness and memory retention, the rhyme's rhythmic quality facilitates
understanding.
Recall that the power of these exercises rests in their capacity to provide children with an
engaging and joyful learning experience, encouraging a positive outlook on language
development and the investigation of their environment.

38. This Old Man

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Tree, Bone
Animal / Birds Name
Gog
Places Name
Home
Explanation/ Reason

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The rhyme's use of animals and natural terms promotes vocabulary growth and sensory
engagement. Through rhythm and repetition, children learn about their surroundings, connect
words to particular things, and lay the groundwork for future language development. The
rhyme's lighthearted quality makes learning fun and promotes favourable associations with
language learning.

39. Little Bunny Foo Foo

Words related to Ecology/ Environment

Forest , Field , Trees
Animal / Birds Name
Mice, Bunny
Explanation/ Reason
Organising and sketching aspects from the poetry enables kids to connect words with
illustrations. This multimodal technique improves cognitive abilities, memory retention, and
language development. Furthermore, the poem's narrative style encourages youngsters to think
creatively and tell stories.

40. The Grand Old Duke of York

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Hill
Parts of body/ Things/ Foods
Men
Places Name
Up, Down
Explanation/ Reason
Despite the absence of animals or birds, this rhyme gives kids a chance to practise movement,
spatial awareness, and fundamental number comprehension. The rhyme's repetition improves
general cognitive abilities by supporting language and memory development.

41. I See the Moon

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Moon, Stars, Sky
Parts of body/ Things/ Foods
Bless
Explanation/ Reason
Children learn to correlate words with visual representations when they categorise and sketch
these aspects. Language development, memory retention, and cognitive abilities are all aided by
this relationship. Emotional health is also enhanced by the poem's calming and compassionate
style.

42. Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear

Words related to Ecology/ Environment

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Sun, Stars, Light

Places Name
Ground
Explanation/ Reason
By improving their vocabulary, observational abilities, and creativity, children's cognitive
growth is aided by the process of drawing and classifying these rhyme-based aspects. The
rhyme's rhythmic quality helps with memory retention and language learning as well.

43. The Hokey Pokey

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Sun, Air
Places Name
Ground, Dance Floor
Explanation/ Reason
An engaging rhyme that promotes coordination and physical exercise is the Hokey Pokey.
Children may better comprehend the context of the dance by drawing and classifying
environment-related objects, which helps them make the link between words and movements.
Furthermore, the lack of particular animals permits inventive interpretation and the inclusion of
diverse animal motions throughout the dance, encouraging the development of motor skills and
imaginative play.

44. The Bear Went over the Mountain

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Mountain ,Valley , Trees , Sky , River , Grass
Animal / Birds Name
Bear
Explanation/ Reason
For children, classifying and sketching these components offers a multisensory experience. It
enhances their cognitive and imaginative faculties, promoting the growth of language, the ability
to observe others, and a love of the natural world.
Using classification and sketching to interact with this poetry improves linguistic proficiency
while fostering an inquiry and fascination of the natural world.

45. The Ants go Marching

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Rain
Animal / Birds Name
Ants
Places Name
Ground
Explanation/ Reason
Children can make the connection between the words and their visual representations by
classifying and sketching these aspects. Children's cognitive, observational, and verbal

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development are all improved by this multimodal approach. The rhyme's repetition also aids in
language learning and memory retention.

46. Ten Little Fingers

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Tree , Flower , Sky, Sun , Grass, Moon, Stars , Rain, Cloud , Butterfly
Animal / Birds Name
Cat, Dog, Bunny
Explanation/ Reason
Sorting and sketching these components offers a multimodal educational experience. Rhyming
provides aural stimulation, while sketching engages the visual sense and fosters language
development and a stronger sense of connection to the surroundings.
Reciting rhymes about birds, animals, and the natural world enhances a child's educational
experience and advances their general emotional and cognitive growth.

47. I Hear Thunder

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Rain, Thunder , Raindrops . Wet
Explanation/ Reason
This poem encourages a young reader's awareness of the environment and its changes by
concentrating on weather-related themes. Children who draw these components learn about the
sights and noises connected with rain and thunder, which improves their sensory awareness,
vocabulary, and emotional connection.

48. Down in the Jungle

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Jungle , River , Tree , Sun, Bushes
Animal / Birds Name
Elephant, Monkey, Crocodile, Tiger
Explanation/ Reason
Sorting and classifying these components from the poem offers a multimodal educational
experience. In youngsters, the combination of visual connection through sketching and auditory
engagement through rhyming promotes vocabulary learning, creative thinking, and cognitive
development. It also establishes the framework for a more comprehensive comprehension of the
natural world.

49. The Hokey Pokey

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Tree , Sun , Sky , Earth
Explanation/ Reason
"The Hokey Pokey" is less concerned with material pertaining to animals or the natural world
and more with body language and spatial awareness. It may not immediately advance our
understanding of the natural world, but it does help with the development of motor abilities,

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coordination, and rhythm awareness. The songs' recurrence aids with memory retention and
language development as well.
It's crucial to remember that not all children's songs or nursery rhymes address a wide variety of
subjects. Whether it's encouraging physical exercise, improving linguistic abilities, or exposing
kids to the natural world, each has a distinct function in a child's growth.

50. Hush, Little Baby

Words related to Ecology/ Environment
Moon, Star, Diamond, Grass
Animal / Birds Name
Goat , Horse , Dog, Mocking bird
Explanation/ Reason
A multimodal learning experience is produced by classifying and sketching various components.
The variety of themes enhances the child's comprehension of nature and the animal kingdom,
while the repetition of words and picture assists in memory retention.

Results and Discussion

Environmental Words 103 words in 50 Nursery Rhymes

An important impact on ecological learning throughout the early phases of children's language
development has been found by analysing fifty nursery rhymes. Environmental terms like "sky,"
"stars," "sun," "clouds," and "moon" are included to create a rich language landscape that relates
kids to the natural world. Total 103 words of environment are found in 50 nursery rhymes. These
words inspire awe and curiosity about the surroundings in addition to improving vocabulary.
Food-related products such as "cake" communicate ideas about nutrition and the relationship
between humans and the environment. Nursery rhymes that feature food might indirectly
encourage conversations about the origins of food and the value of having a positive relationship
with the natural world. Names of animals and birds, such "dog," "cat," "elephant," "rat," and
"monkey," have a major impact on ecolinguistics. Children are exposed to a range of species,
which promotes an early awareness of biodiversity. These animal names can also be used as
starting points for more extensive conversations on ecosystems, animal habitats, and the
interdependence of all living things.
Language learning is improved by the repeating of these food-related, environmental, and
animal/bird words in nursery rhymes. Rhymes use repetition and rhythmic patterns a lot, which
makes learning about them memorable and interesting. This repetition enhances linguistic and
cognitive abilities in addition to helping with vocabulary growth.
Additionally, the creative and lighthearted use of these terms in nursery rhymes contributes to
the development of favourable attitudes towards the natural world. Learning about environmental
concepts may inspire children's creativity and excitement, which can help them develop a good
ecological conscience. From an ecolinguistic standpoint, these nursery rhymes help promote
early ecological literacy by skillfully incorporating terminology connected to environment into
young children's linguistic and imaginative realms. From the earliest stages of language
acquisition, the rhymes give kids a chance to explore and comprehend their relationship with the

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environment, which in turn fosters a feeling of responsibility and appreciation for the natural
world.
1. Effects as incorporation of ideas from Environmental Perception into nursery rhymes
have on Children' Language Development.
Enhanced Acquiring of Vocabulary: Environmental Terms Expand Vocabulary Nursery
rhymes that use terms like "sky," "stars," "sun," "clouds," and "moon" introduce kids to a wide
variety of environmental terminology. Their vocabulary is enriched as a result of this exposure,
which is consistent focus on the value of exposure to a variety of language inputs for efficient
vocabulary growth.
Contextual Usage in Rhymes Facilitates Understanding: Contextual Learning and Cognitive
Development Contextual learning is supported by the qualitative examination of the
environmental words used in rhymes. According to ecolinguistics philosophy, learning happens
more successfully when language is provided in context, which promotes cognitive growth and
deeper comprehension.
Rhythmic Patterns Enhance Memory: The rhythmic patterns and repetitions inherent in
nursery rhymes, as observed in ecolinguistics analysis, contribute to enhanced memory retention.
This rhythmic quality aids children in remembering and internalizing new words and concepts
related to the environment.
Semantic Associations and Conceptual Frameworks:
Building Semantic Associations: Exposure to words related to nature, food, and animals, such as
"cake," "monkey," "elephant," etc., facilitates the building of semantic associations.
Ecolinguistics analysis emphasizes the role of semantic relationships in language understanding,
and nursery rhymes serve as a medium to construct conceptual frameworks related to the
environment.
Imaginative Language Exposure:
Creativity and Imagination in Rhymes: The creative use of language in nursery rhymes
stimulates imagination. According to ecolinguistics analysis, the interaction between language
and imagination is crucial for cognitive development. Nursery rhymes provide a platform for
imaginative exploration of environmental concept. The relationship between language and
imagination is essential for cognitive growth. Nursery rhymes offer a creative outlet for
investigating environmental ideas.
Early Eco-Linguistic Pattern Exposure:
Promoting Patterns of Eco-Linguistics: The formation of ecological literacy is aided by early
exposure to the eco-linguistic patterns seen in nursery rhymes. Early exposure to language
patterns is crucial for laying a solid linguistic foundation.
In conclusion, by offering complex, contextual, and creative language experiences, the
integration of environmental concepts into nursery rhymes is consistent with theories from the
field of linguistics. These interactions provide a thorough comprehension of environmental
themes and advance the larger objectives of early childhood education while having a favourable
effect on children's language development.
2. Nursery Rhymes Contribution for Children's Language and Cognitive Development
Through a variety of methods that involve both language and cognitive processes, nursery
rhymes have a major positive impact on children's language and cognitive development. An

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examination of how these rhymes promote language and cognitive development is provided
below:
1. Knowledge of Phonology:
Nursery rhymes frequently have rhymes in their words and patterns, which help to develop
phonological awareness. Children's sensitivity to language's sound structure is improved when
they can identify and mimic rhyming words, which is an essential step towards developing
reading abilities.
2. Expanding Synonyms:
Rich Vocabulary Exposure: Children are exposed to a wide variety of words through nursery
rhymes. Words pertaining to the natural world, animals, and daily tasks broaden their lexicon
and improve their cognitive abilities.
3. Memory Retention: Repetition and Rhythmic Patterns: Nursery rhymes' rhythmic patterns and
repetitious style help people remember things. The words, phrases, and sequences are simple for
kids to recollect, which helps with memory and recall development.
4. Syntax and Grammar Development: Modeling Proper Syntax: Rhymes for children offer
illustrations of proper syntax and grammar use. Children learn language norms through exposure
to well-structured sentences, which enhances their ability to produce and comprehend language
on their own.
5. Improvement of Cognitive Skills: Imagination and Creativity: Nursery rhymes inspire
creativity and imagination because of their inventive and sometimes amusing content. Cognitive
abilities including problem-solving, critical thinking and creative expression are fostered by this
involvement.
6. Narrative and Sequencing Skills: Storytelling and Sequence Learning: A lot of nursery rhymes
narrate brief stories or depict events in a certain order. Children learn about cause and effect,
temporal sequencing, and storytelling structures via this experience, which helps them improve
their narrative abilities.
7. Social and Emotional Development: Social issues and Emotional Expression: Nursery rhymes
frequently communicate social issues and emotions. By investigating these topics, kids may
enhance their emotional intelligence by learning about feelings, forming empathy for characters,
and growing in social awareness.
8. Cultural Awareness: Cultural Context and Diversity: A variety of cultural features and
viewpoints are frequently reflected in nursery rhymes. Children's perception of the world around
them is expanded and their cultural awareness is fostered by exposure to many cultural
situations.
9. Foundational Reading Skills:
Prerequisite Knowledge: Early exposure to rhyme, rhythm, and linguistic patterns establishes the
foundation for pre-reading abilities. Understanding rhymes' word sounds and structures is a
prerequisite to understanding written language.

10. Improved Focus and Attention span:

Engaging Content: Nursery rhymes draw youngsters in and encourage prolonged focus because
of their captivating and rhythmic quality. Many different types of cognitive tasks benefit from
this increased attention span.

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Essentially, nursery rhymes are versatile instruments that integrate language and cognitive
development. Their inventive, rhythmic, and repeating qualities provide an ideal learning
atmosphere that supports a variety of abilities essential to kids' general language and cognitive
development.
3. Exposure to Nursery Rhymes serve as a tool in Ecological Education in the Early Stage
of Children Learning
For young children, exposure to nursery rhymes is a useful and entertaining method of teaching
about the environment. Nursery rhymes have a substantial impact on ecological education, and
this impact may be evaluated based on a number of important factors:
1. Overview of Environmental Ideas:
Early Exposure to Terms Related to Nature: Terms like "sky," "stars," "sun," "clouds," and
"moon" are frequently used in nursery rhymes. Children who are exposed to these phrases are
given an early exposure to environmental ideas and are encouraged to develop a connection with
the natural world.
2. Awareness of Biodiversity:
Including Animal and Bird Names: A lot of nursery rhymes include names for birds and animals,
such "dog," "elephant," "monkey," and "cat." This feature raises children's understanding of
biodiversity by introducing them to the diversity of the animal kingdom and their habitats.
3. Attitudes in the Positive Environment:
Imaginative and fun settings: Nursery rhymes' imaginative and fun settings foster good
connections with the surroundings. Youngsters frequently view nature as a joyful and inquisitive
source, which promotes favourable attitudes towards the environment.

4. Patterns in Ecolinguistics:
Linguistic Exposure to Eco-linguistic Patterns: Nursery rhymes can raise awareness of eco-
linguistics through their use of language patterns. Youngsters learn vocabulary related to the
environment, which prepares them for a comprehension of ecological principles based on
language.
5. Experiencing Nature through the senses:
Rhythmic and Sensory Engagement: A comprehensive learning experience is facilitated by the
rhythmic and sensory engagement that nursery rhymes offer. Children's sensory relationship with
nature is strengthened when rhymes and creative settings combine to provide aural stimulation
and visual involvement.
6. Cultural Views of the Environment: Cultural Setting and Themes in the Environment Nursery
rhymes frequently convey societal viewpoints on the environment. Children learn about the
various cultural settings that rhymes explore and how they relate to and view nature in different
ways.
7. Base for Eco-Conscious Discussions:
Rhymes as Sowers for Environmental Discussions: The rhymes serve as sowers for
environmental discussions. Nursery rhymes can serve as a springboard for conversations about
nature, animals, and the value of environmental stewardship among parents, educators, and
careers.
8. An Early Overview of Sustainability

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Food-related Items and Environmental Responsibilities: A number of nursery rhymes contain

references to "cake," which presents an opportunity to talk about food sources and sustainability.
These conversations aid in the early comprehension of environmental responsibility in relation to
food production.
9. Advantageous Learning Connections:
Positive Learning Associations with Nature: Learning and nature are positively associated thanks
to nursery rhymes. Children are encouraged to see the environment as an exciting and vital
component of their educational journey by this positive reinforcement.
10. Incorporation into Formal Curriculum: Integration with Formal Environmental Education to
support formal environmental education, nursery rhymes might be incorporated into school
curriculum. The smooth transition from unstructured exposure to more organised learning of
ecological ideas is ensured by this integration.
In conclusion, exposing young toddlers to nursery rhymes is an effective way to teach them
about the environment. Nursery rhymes offer a comprehensive framework for promoting
environmental knowledge, good attitudes, and a sense of responsibility towards the natural world
through its linguistic, creative, and cultural components.
Conclusion
Thorough examination of nursery rhymes through the lens of ecolinguistics demonstrates their
significant influence on the development of children. The study clarified how the inclusion of
environmental, food-related items and animal/bird phrases acts as a dynamic accelerator for
children's language and cognitive development through a qualitative examination of 50 nursery
rhymes. These rhymes' integration of language and ecological ideas, in line with the tenets of
ecolinguistics not only expands vocabulary and encourages creative thinking but also establishes
a foundational element for ecological literacy. Nursery rhymes emerge as effective instruments
for introducing young minds to environmental awareness, establishing good attitudes, and
forming a feeling of responsibility towards the natural world because they offer a holistic and
imaginative learning experience. This study emphasizes nursery rhymes' ability to serve as a link
between language and ecological education, highlighting its critical significance in forming the
environmental awareness and appreciation of the next generation.

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