The BEST Counting Nursery Rhymes of All Time!

How do nursery rhymes benefit children?

Nursery rhymes have been a part of childhood for generations. They not only entertain children but also play a crucial role in their development. Research shows that nursery rhymes help children develop language skills, enhance memory, and improve cognitive abilities. So, let's explore 7 of the best counting nursery rhymes that will engage and educate your little ones!

1. One, Two, Buckle My Shoe

One, two, buckle my shoe,
Three, four, knock at the door,
Five, six, pick up sticks,
Seven, eight, lay them straight,
Nine, ten, a big fat hen!

2. Five Little Ducks

Five little ducks went out (or swimming) one day,
Over the hill 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 hill 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 hill 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 hill and far away.
Mother duck said, "Quack, quack, quack."
But only one little ducks came back.

One little duck went out one day,
Over the hill and far away.
Mother duck said, "Quack, quack, quack."
And all five little ducks came back!

3. Ten in the Bed

There were ten in the bed and the little one said,
"Roll over, roll over!"
So they all rolled over and one fell out.
Nine in the bed and the little one said,
"Roll over, roll over!"
So they all rolled over and one fell out.

Repeat until no one is left in the bed!

4. Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed

Five little monkeys jumping on the bed,
One fell off and bumped his head.
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,
"No more monkeys jumping on the bed!"

Repeat until there are no monkey's jumping on the bed!

5. One Potato, Two Potatoes

One potato, two potatoes, three potatoes, four,
Five potatoes, six potatoes, seven potatoes, more!
Count them up, count them down,
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight!

6. Hickory Dickory Dock 

Hickory, dickory, dock
The mouse ran up the clock.
The clock struck one, the mouse ran down,
Hickory, dickory, dock.

Hickory, dickory, dock
The mouse ran up the clock.
The clock struck two, the mouse ran down,
Hickory, dickory, dock

Repeat through to twelve. 

One popular variation for the final verse is:

Hickory, dickory, dock
The mouse ran up the clock.
The clock struck noon, he was here too soon!
Hickory, dickory, dock

7. Five Little Ladybugs

Five little ladybugs climbing up a door,
One flew away and then there were four.
Four little ladybugs sitting on a tree,
One flew away and then there were three.

Repeat until there's only one left.

How to make nursery rhymes more interactive?