Nursery rhymes are a cherished tradition that play a vital role in early childhood development, making them an essential part of any child’s learning journey.
This article is part of our “Favourite 100 Nursery Rhymes Series” and this article contains rhymes 11 through to 20!
To see the first 10 best nursery rhymes for children take a look at our list here! or use the buttons to see the previous or next 10 in the list!
If you are after more resources such as a video so you can hear the rhyme sung simply click on the links provided with each nursery rhyme and you will be taken to another page on our website with all the helpful information you are after!
11. The Alphabet Song
First up is a classic rhyme that as an educator I feel is extremely important for children to know. It introduces children to the building blocks of language and sets them up for learning of phonetics and reading in the future!
A, B, C, D, E, F, G
H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P (L, M, N, O, P are recited faster than the other letters)
Q, R, S, /T, U, V (there’s a slight pause between S and T)
W, X, Y, and Z (slight breaks in between W and X and X and Y)
Now I know my ABCs
Next time, won’t you sing with me?
Click here for more resources on The Alphabet Song – ABCD
12. Ring a Ring o’ Roses
This cheerful and interactive rhyme encourages physical activity and social bonding. Children join hands, sing, and dance in a circle, promoting coordination, teamwork, and laughter.
Ring-a-ring-a-rosies (Ring Around the Rosie)
A pocket full of posies
A-tishoo, a-tishoo
We all fall down
The king has sent his daughter
To fetch a pail of water
a-tishoo, a-tishoo
We all fall down
The robin on the steeple
Is singing to the people
A-tishoo, a-tishoo
We all fall down
The cows are in the meadow
Lying fast asleep
A-tishoo, a-tishoo
We all get up again.
Click here for more resources on Ring-A-Ring O’ Roses
13. Three Blind Mice
Three Blind Mice is a mishevious rhyme that tells the story of three adventurous mice. It can introduce young minds to the concepts of friendship and teamwork, as well as the consequences of their actions.
Three blind mice, Three blind mice
See how they run. See how they run.
They all ran after the farmer’s wife,
Who cut off their tails with a carving knife,
Did you ever see such a sight in your life?
As three blind mice?
Click here for more resources on Three Blind Mice
14. This Little Piggy
A delightful counting rhyme that introduces children to their toes while also teaching them about the different activities and adventures of each little piggy. It’s a great way to enhance fine motor skills and a great way to create a bond between a carer and child.
This little piggy went to market,
This little piggy stayed at home,
This little piggy had roast beef,
This little piggy had none.
And this little piggy went…
“Wee wee wee” all the way home…
Click here for more resources on This Little Piggy
15. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Once I caught a Fish Alive
Parents and children delight in singing this rhyme especially when using the hand movements to depict the movements of the fish. It also helps bring an awareness to knowing which is your right hand which can be a fun way of learning this concept.
One, Two, Three, Four, Five,
Once I caught a fish alive,
Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten,
Then I let him go again.
Why did you let it go?
Because he bit my finger so.
Which finger did he bite?
This little finger on my right.
Click here for more resources on 12345 Once I Caught a Fish Alive
16. Five Little Monkeys Swinging in a Tree
This rhyme is full of fun hand movements that can be actioned as the verses are sung. The rhyme is also a counting rhyme – backward from 5 and helps young minds develop numeracy and counting skills.
Five little monkeys
swinging in a tree,
teasing Mr. Alligator
‘you can’t catch me…. can’t catch me’
along came Mr. Alligator,
quiet as can be
and snapped
that monkey out of that tree
Four little monkeys
swinging in a tree,
teasing Mr. Alligator
‘you can’t catch me…. can’t catch me’
along came Mr. Alligator,
quiet as can be
and snapped
that monkey out of that tree
Three little monkeys
swinging in a tree,
teasing Mr. Alligator
‘you can’t catch me…. can’t catch me’
along came Mr. Alligator,
quiet as can be
and snapped
that monkey out of that tree
Two little monkeys
swinging in a tree,
teasing Mr. Alligator
‘you can’t catch me…. can’t catch me’
along came Mr. Alligator,
quiet as can be
and snapped
that monkey out of that tree
One little monkey
swinging in a tree,
teasing Mr. Alligator
‘you can’t catch me…. can’t catch me’
along came Mr. Alligator,
quiet as can be
and snapped
that monkey out of that tree
No more monkeys swinging in the tree
Click here for more resources on Five Little Monkeys Swinging In A Tree
17. Rock-a-bye Baby
Rock a bye is a gentle lullaby that soothes and comforts children as they imagine a baby cradled in a treetop. This rhyme encourages relaxation and is perfect for calming bedtime routines.
Rock A Bye Baby, On the Tree Top,
When The Wind Blows, The Cradle Will Rock,
When The Bow Breaks, The Cradle Will Fall,
And Down Will Come Baby, Cradle and All
Click here for more resources on Rock a Bye Baby
18. Five Little Ducks
Who doesn’t love the family of ducks that go out one day? One by one, they don’t come back, but return once their mother calls to them. It’s a great one for teaching counting with lots of hand actions to go with the lyrics.
Five little ducks went out one day,
Over the hills and far away,
Mother duck said,
“Quack, quack, quack,”
But only four little ducks came back.
Four little ducks went out one day,
Over the hills and far away,
Mother duck said,
“Quack, quack, quack,”
But only three little ducks came back.
Three little ducks went out one day,
Over the hills and far away,
Mother duck said,
“Quack, quack, quack,”
But only two little ducks came back.
Two little ducks went out one day,
Over the hills and far away,
Mother duck said,
“Quack, quack, quack,”
But only one little duck came back.
One little duck went out one day,
Over the hills and far away,
Mother duck said,
“Quack, quack, quack,”
But none of the little ducks came back.
So Mother Duck went out one day
Over the hills and far away,
Mother duck said
“QUACK, QUACK, QUACK!” (Use louder voice)
And all of the five little ducks came back.
Click here for more resources on Five Little Ducks
19. I’m a Little Teapot
A charming rhyme that encourages physical movement and balance as children mimic the shape of a teapot. It’s a delightful way to engage children in creative play and a firm favorite of many including in our household!
I’m a little teapot
Short and stout
Here is my handle (one hand on hip)
Here is my spout (other arm out bent like the teapot spout)
When I get all steamed up
Hear me shout
“Tip me over and pour me out!” (lean over toward spout)
I’m a clever teapot,
Yes, it’s true
Here, let me show you
What I can do
I can change my handle (change hands to other hip)
and my spout (switch arms spout positions)
Just tip me over
and pour me out! (lean over toward spout)
Click here for more resources on I’m A Little Teapot
20. Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear is a cheerful rhyme that introduces kids to the world of teddy bears and their playful antics. This rhyme invites children to join in the fun of pretending to be a teddy bear.
Teddy bear, teddy bear,
Turn around.
Teddy bear, teddy bear,
Touch the ground.
Teddy bear, teddy bear,
Tie your shoes.
Teddy bear, teddy bear,
That will do.
Teddy bear, teddy bear,
Go upstairs.
Teddy bear, teddy bear,
Say your prayers.
Teddy bear, teddy bear,
Turn out the light.
Teddy bear, teddy bear,
Say good night.
Teddy bear, teddy bear,
Shake your hips.
Teddy bear, teddy bear,
Blow a kiss.
Teddy bear, teddy bear,
Jump up high.
Teddy bear, teddy bear,
See me smile.
Teddy bear, teddy bear,
Give a hug.
Teddy bear, teddy bear,
Lots of love.
Click here for more resources on Teddy Bear Teddy Bear
