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Nursery Rhymes. Nursery rhymes are short, rhythmic verses and songs that many American children learn first. These 12 classics help preschoolers hear the sounds in words, remember what comes next, and enjoy language. Each one explains what it teaches and how to act it out.
- 12 songs
- Ages 3–5
- 5–15 minutes
- Actions and ideas for every song
About the lyrics: this page lists song titles, what each song teaches, and ways to use it. It does not reprint lyrics. You can find the words and recordings in children’s songbooks, at your local library, or on official channels from the artists and publishers. Many of these songs are traditional, and versions can differ from place to place.
Quick Picks
Use this table to find a song by type and main skill. Tap a song name to jump to ideas for using it.
| # | Song | Type | Main skill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star | Nursery rhyme | Rhythm |
| 2 | Mary Had a Little Lamb | Nursery rhyme | Story order |
| 3 | Baa, Baa, Black Sheep | Nursery rhyme | Question and answer |
| 4 | Humpty Dumpty | Nursery rhyme | Rhyme |
| 5 | Hickory Dickory Dock | Nursery rhyme | Counting |
| 6 | Jack and Jill | Nursery rhyme | Rhyme |
| 7 | Hey Diddle Diddle | Nursery rhyme | Imagination |
| 8 | Little Miss Muffet | Nursery rhyme | Feelings |
| 9 | Row, Row, Row Your Boat | Nursery rhyme | Steady beat |
| 10 | Pop Goes the Weasel | Nursery rhyme | Listening |
| 11 | London Bridge Is Falling Down | Singing game | Cooperation |
| 12 | Jack Be Nimble | Nursery rhyme | Jumping |
Why Nursery Rhymes Help Preschoolers
These timeless songs are often a child’s first songs. Their steady beats and simple rhymes help preschoolers hear the sounds in words and remember what comes next.
Rhyme awareness
Rhymes train children to hear matching sounds, an early reading skill. The CDC lists recognizing simple rhymes as typical at age 5.
Memory
Short, repeated lines are easy to remember, which builds confidence.
Story order
Many rhymes tell a tiny story with a beginning, a middle, and an end.
Calm and bonding
Rocking, reciting, and singing together builds closeness.
12 Nursery Rhymes for Preschoolers
1. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Nursery rhyme- Rhythm
- Rhyme
What it teaches: A gentle, slow song that is easy to remember. It shares its melody with the alphabet song and with Baa, Baa, Black Sheep, so children learn one tune that fits three songs.
How to use it: Open and close your fingers like twinkling stars, or hold up paper stars on sticks. Try singing it softly at bedtime and then loudly and fast to practice quiet and loud voices.
2. Mary Had a Little Lamb
Nursery rhyme- Story order
- Rhyme
What it teaches: Tells a simple story about a lamb that follows a girl everywhere, including to school. It’s a good first story for retelling with a beginning, middle, and end.
How to use it: Use a stuffed lamb and let your child act out the story. Ask, ‘What happened first? What happened next?’ to practice sequencing.
3. Baa, Baa, Black Sheep
Nursery rhyme- Question and answer
- Counting
What it teaches: A call-and-response song with three bags of wool. It teaches the back-and-forth pattern of a conversation.
How to use it: Use a sheep puppet for the answers. Pass out three bags (or paper squares) to share with others and count them.
4. Humpty Dumpty
Nursery rhyme- Rhyme
- Cause and effect
What it teaches: A short rhyme about a fall that gets children thinking about what happens next and how to solve a problem.
How to use it: Build a block wall and let a toy egg fall off. Ask, ‘How could we help Humpty?’ to encourage problem solving.
5. Hickory Dickory Dock
Nursery rhyme- Counting
- Time words
What it teaches: A mouse runs up a clock. Children love the surprise at the top and the quick run down.
How to use it: Run two fingers up your child’s arm and clap on the number the clock strikes. Try other numbers, like two or three, to practice counting.
6. Jack and Jill
Nursery rhyme- Rhyme
- Up and down
What it teaches: A short story rhyme with a hill, a pail, and a tumble. It’s great for learning opposite words like up and down.
How to use it: Walk up and down a small ramp or step with a toy pail. Take turns acting out the story with stuffed animals.
7. Hey Diddle Diddle
Nursery rhyme- Imagination
- Rhyme
What it teaches: A silly rhyme with a cat, a cow, a dog, and a dish that runs away. Nonsense rhymes help children enjoy language.
How to use it: Make paper puppets of each character. Have your child jump over a pillow ‘moon.’
8. Little Miss Muffet
Nursery rhyme- Feelings
- Story order
What it teaches: A girl is surprised by a spider. It opens the door to talking about being scared and what helps us feel safe.
How to use it: Use a toy spider and ask, ‘What do you do when you are surprised?’ Practice a calm breath after the ‘scare.’
9. Row, Row, Row Your Boat
Nursery rhyme- Steady beat
- Cooperation
What it teaches: A calm song with a rocking rhythm. Older preschoolers can try singing it as a round.
How to use it: Sit facing a partner, hold hands, and rock back and forth in time. Use a scarf for the ‘river.’ Sing it slowly, fast, and in a whisper.
Safety and tip: Keep the rocking gentle so nobody gets pulled off balance.
10. Pop Goes the Weasel
Nursery rhyme- Listening
- Anticipation
What it teaches: The fun is waiting for the ‘pop.’ Children learn to listen for a cue and react at the right moment.
How to use it: Crouch down while singing, then jump up on the pop. A jack-in-the-box or popping bubble wrap is a fun prop.
11. London Bridge Is Falling Down
Singing game- Cooperation
- Turn-taking
What it teaches: Two players make an arch with their arms while others walk under it. It’s a classic game for taking turns.
How to use it: Let children take turns being the bridge. Stop the ‘bridge’ gently on the last line and trade places.
Safety and tip: Lower the arch gently and never trap or squeeze a child.
12. Jack Be Nimble
Nursery rhyme- Jumping
- Rhyme
What it teaches: A short rhyme about jumping over a candlestick. It’s perfect for practicing jumps and rhymes.
How to use it: Place a paper flame on the floor and have your child jump over it. Count the jumps.
Safety and tip: Use a paper or cardboard ‘candle.’ Never use a real flame.
Tips for Singing Nursery Rhymes
- Say the rhyme slowly and clearly, and add simple actions.
- Pause before the last word of a line and let your child fill it in.
- Use a puppet, toy, or paper cutouts to act out the story.
- Read picture books of the same rhymes so children see the words.
Pair These Songs with Activities
Nursery Rhymes FAQs
What are nursery rhymes, and why do they matter?
Nursery rhymes are short, traditional verses and songs for young children. They matter because rhyme and rhythm help children hear the sounds inside words, which supports early reading. The CDC lists recognizing simple rhymes as typical at age 5.
How many nursery rhymes should my child know?
There is no set number. It’s better to know a few well and enjoy them than to rush through many. Add a new rhyme every week or two.
Are nursery rhymes still useful today?
Yes. They are short, easy to memorize, and need no supplies. They also give children a shared set of stories and sounds that families and classrooms can sing together.
Do I need to know all the words?
Not at all. Check a children’s rhyme book from the library for the words, and focus on rhythm and actions. Children enjoy the sound of your voice more than perfect recall.
More Song Types
- Nursery Rhymes (12)
- Action Songs (10)
- Finger Plays (7)
- Counting Songs (9)
- Alphabet and Language Songs (7)
- Animal and Nature Songs (7)
- Transportation Songs (7)
- Routine, Transition, and Friendship Songs (7)
- Lullabies and Calm-Down Songs (6)
- Circle and Singing Games (6)
- Songs for Colors, Shapes, Days, and More (7)
- All Preschool Songs
Keep the Music Going
Pair these songs with free printables, learning games, and our 12-month preschool curriculum.
Sources
This guide is general educational information for parents. It is not medical or legal advice. Always supervise young children during movement activities. If you are concerned about your child’s development, talk with your child’s doctor or teacher.