Songs, chants and rhymes are a natural part of quality early childhood programs. Children love them. Teachers use them for many purposes--to assist with transitions, to enhance thematic units, to get children focused, and to get them up and moving. Now with a little forethought and a commitment to purposeful teaching methods, teachers can use songs, chants and rhymes as a springboard, and even as content, for their literacy lessons. Keep a song in your heart and a poem in your pocket. You’ll be glad you did.