The Best Nursery Rhymes: Printable Lyrics & Activities

Nursery rhymes are taught to babies and young children. Nursery rhymes are often children’s first introduction to rhyming words. They are also known as Mother Goose nursery rhymes. We love teaching nursery rhymes in our homeschool.

Nursery Rhymes

A traditional nursery rhyme is a poem or song with funny rhymes in a sing-song format. Classic nursery rhymes originated in the 18th and 19th century in Britain and later in other countries. Some of them have meanings to them that come from history, while others are just fun songs to sing with children.

Nursery rhymes are often sung in preschools in a group setting. You can include these beloved songs and poems in your homeschool and enjoy singing them with your children when they are young.

What is the original nursery rhyme?

“Pat-a-cake, Pat-a-cake, Baker’s Man” is one of the oldest English nursery rhymes. The earliest recorded version of the rhyme appears in Thomas d’Urfey’s play The Campaigners in 1698. It is most widely known as Pattycake.

What are some famous nursery rhymes?

There are lots of famous nursery rhymes and many that are sang as baby songs. These are some of my favorites that I sang to all of my children when they were little…

• “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”
• “Jack and Jill”
• “I’m a Little Teapot”
• “Old Mac Donald Had a Farm”
• “Incy Wincy Spider”
• “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”
• ‘Hickory Dickory Dock”
• ‘Three Blind Mice”

What is the easiest nursery rhyme?

The easiest nursery rhyme to learn and remember is “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” This song is usually sung to babies at bedtime. Many parents continue to sing it often to their children which makes it easy for them to learn and memorize quickly.

Nursery Rhymes

If you are looking for the best nursery rhymes to teach your kids, here are 25 of the best nursery rhymes for kids. 

Free Nursery Rhymes Lyrics Poster Set Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post to gain access to printable lyrics for all 25 songs! You can print these out and use them as posters, put them in your early learning binders, or even in your morning baskets. If you laminate them, they will stay super durable.

ABC Song

“The ABC Song” was written in the 1800’s by an American named Charles Bradlee. It was originally copyrighted with the title The Schoolmaster in 1834. It has been used to teach children the alphabet for over 100 years! It is also known as “The Alphabet Song.”

ABC Song Lyrics

A-B-C-D-E-F-G
H-I-J-K-LMNOP
Q-R-S
T-U-V
W and X
Y and Zee
Now I know my ABCs
Next time won’t you sing with me?

Fun ABC Song Activity: 

You can use this ABC Song activity with your child when teaching them the alphabet. It’s fun and easy and will keep them engaged.

Are You Sleeping?

“Are You Sleeping (Brother John)” is a great song to sing at night. It is the English version of the most popular French nursery rhyme Frère Jacques that was published in 1780. The original song has been translated into many languages and some of them have different versions.

Are You Sleeping Lyrics

Are you sleeping, are you sleeping?

Brother John, Brother John?

Morning bells are ringing, morning bells are ringing

Ding dang dong, ding dang dong.

Are You Sleeping Activity:

Since this nursery rhyme was originally French you may want to teach your children how to sing it in French and English. There are lyrics and videos in both languages to sing and memorize.

A Tisket, A Tasket

“A Tisket, A Tasket” dates back to 1879. It is often sung in preschools as a word play game and sing along. This nursery rhyme became popular when it was created into a Jazz song by Ella Fitzgerald in 1938. She was inspired by the rhyme to create her own song which became a huge hit.

A Tisket, A Tasket Lyrics

A Tisket, a tasket, a green and yellow basket.

I wrote a letter to my friend, and on the way I dropped it.

I dropped it, I dropped it,

and on the way I dropped it.

The little boy, he picked it up,

and put it in his pocket.

A Tisket, A Tasket Activity:

You can play a fun A Tisket A Tasket summertime circle game where children sing the song together and jump up and chase around the circle to race to get back to their spot. This is a fun group game and will help you learn the nursery rhyme very fast.

BINGO

“Bingo” is a classic spelling song that replaces letters with claps. It is also known as The Farmer’s Dog. The first recorded version of the song was in 1785. In the United States it was mentioned in 1842 and then later had a modern version.

BINGO Lyrics

There was a farmer who had a dog,

And Bingo was his name-O.

B-I-N-G-O!

B-I-N-G-O!

B-I-N-G-O!

And Bingo was his name-O!

 

There was a farmer who had a dog,

And Bingo was his name-O.

(Clap)-I-N-G-O!

(Clap)-I-N-G-O!

(Clap)-I-N-G-O!

And Bingo was his name-O!

 

There was a farmer who had a dog,

And Bingo was his name-O!

(Clap – Clap)-N-G-O!

(Clap – Clap)-N-G-O!

(Clap – Clap)-N-G-O!

And Bingo was his name-O!

 

There was a farmer who had a dog,

And Bingo was his name-O.

(Clap – Clap – Clap)-G-O!

(Clap – Clap – Clap)-G-O!

(Clap – Clap – Clap)-G-O!

And Bingo was his name-O!

 

There was a farmer who had a dog,

And Bingo was his name-O.

(Clap – Clap – Clap – Clap)-O!

(Clap – Clap – Clap – Clap)-O!

(Clap – Clap – Clap – Clap)-O!

And Bingo was his name-O!

 

There was a farmer who had a dog,

And Bingo was his name-O.

(Clap – Clap – Clap – Clap – Clap)

(Clap – Clap – Clap – Clap – Clap)

(Clap – Clap – Clap – Clap – Clap)

And Bingo was his name-O!

Fun Bingo Activity:

Practice spelling and singing the word BINGO  by printing out the lyrics, and pointing out the spelling and the words to your children. Then read the lyrics out loud together, and practice singing them together while clapping. Test them on their spelling at the end, and I bet they have the word memorized right away.

Baa Baa Black Sheep

The English version of this song originated from a French song from 1761. It was titled “Ah, vous dirai-je, maman!” by Louis Le Maire. The song was originally related to the wool industry from the Middle Ages. It has since turned into a song to introduce children to the sounds that sheep make and life in countryside.

Baa Baa Black Sheep Lyrics

Baa, baa black sheep

Have you any wool

Yes sir, yes sir

Three bags full.

 

One for my master

And one for my dame

And one for the little boy

Who lives down the lane.

Hands – On Baa Baa Black Sheep Activity:

Practice sequencing and ordering with Baa Baa Black Sheep by laying out what happens next in the song. Preschoolers will enjoy this Baa Baa Black Sheep hands-on activity.

Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe

This is a very common children’s nursery rhyme most commonly used to select who is “it” in children’s playground games. It is a fun syllable counting game and the song has been used since the early 19th century, but the original origins are unknown. It is also sung in many different European languages.

Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe Lyrics

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe

Catch a tiger by the toe

If he hollers let him go,

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe

My mother told me

To pick the very best one

And you are not it.

Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe Game:

A fun game that you can play with a group is to have everyone sit in a circle and someone is the tagger. They sing the song while pointing at everyone during each word syllable, and the final person that is pointed at is the one who has to get up and run back to their spot without getting tagged.

Head Shoulders Knees and Toes

This very easy and popular song has been known all around the world since the 1950’s. No one knows the history behind it or where it originally came from. It is a fun action song that kids can memorize quickly.

Head Shoulders Knees and Toes Lyrics

Head, shoulders, knees and toes,

Knees and toes.

Head, shoulders, knees and toes,

Knees and toes.

And eyes, and ears, and mouth, and nose.

Head, shoulders, knees and toes,

Knees and toes.

(Repeat)

Head Shoulders Knees and Toes Activity:

Teach your kids about different body parts with this fun full body motion song. Your kids will quickly learn the different body parts mentioned in the song, as well as strengthen their gross motor skills and listening skills.

Hey Diddle Diddle 

This is a classic rhyme that goes by different names. It is also know as “The Cat and the Fiddle” and “The Cow Jumped Over the Moon” as those are the most prominent lyrics in the song. The rhyme dates back to 18th century England and folk English.

Hey Diddle Diddle Lyrics

Hey diddle diddle,

The cat and the fiddle,

The cow jumped over the moon.

The little dog laughed to see such sport,

And the dish ran away with the spoon.

Hey Diddle Diddle Craft Activity:

Turn this nursery rhyme into a unit study with a lesson plan, craft activity and game to go along with the song.

Hickory Dickory Dock 

This traditional nursery rhyme is from the 18th century London. This counting song is often used in the elementary grades to help children count and learn the time on a clock.

Hickory Dickory Dock Lyrics

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 went “boo!”

Hickory Dickory Dock

Hickory Dickory Dock Telling Time Activity:

Practice telling time with a Hickory Dickory Dock themed clock craft activity. Build the clock and move the little mouse around the clock as an hour hand on the clock.

Humpty Dumpty

“Humpty Dumpty” dates back to the 19th century as a riddle with the egg being the answer. The riddle was published in 1803 and 1810. It has since become a famous nursery rhyme and Humpty Dumpty is his own character in many stories, books and children’s movies. 

Humpty Dumpty Lyrics

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.

All the King’s horses and all the King’s men,

Couldn’t put Humpty together again.

Humpty Dumpty Activity:

Have some science fun with eggs with over 10 Humpty Dumpty STEM and science activities for preschoolers. 

If You’re Happy and You Know It

This nursery rhyme is also known as “The Happy Song.” This popular song appeared in the United States in the 50’s. It really is a happy song, and it is one that is sung often in preschool play groups and to babies with fun hand motions.

If You’re Happy and You Know It Lyrics

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.

If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands.

If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it.

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.

 

If you’re happy and you know it, stomp your feet.

If you’re happy and you know it, stomp your feet.

If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it.

If you’re happy and you know it, stomp your feet.

 

If you’re happy and you know it, jump up and down.

If you’re happy and you know it, jump up and down.

If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it.

If you’re happy and you know it, jump up and down.

 

If you’re happy and you know it, spin around.

If you’re happy and you know it, spin around.

If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it.

If you’re happy and you know it, spin around.

If You’re Happy and You Know It Activity:

This is a perfect song to discuss happiness with your children. Start by talking about what it means to be happy and discuss feelings with your children. There is also a free printable lyric sheet to hang up while you are discussing the song and learning the lyrics. 

I’m a Little Teapot 

This popular hand and body motion song was published in 1939 in America. It is also very well known in the UK and Canada. The song was originally written to teach dance students to master the “Waltz Clog” tap dance routine. 

I’m a Little Teapot Lyrics

I’m a little teapot

Short and stout

Here is my handle

Here is my spout.

 

When I get all steamed up

Hear me shout

“Tip me over

and pour me out!’.

I’m a Little Teapot Activity:

Act out the song by pretending to be a teapot. Put together a nursery rhyme lesson with printable preschool activities and a little teapot craft to do with your children.

Itsy Bitsy Spider

Itsy Bitsy Spider Lyrics

Itsy bitsy spider

climbed up the waterspout,

Down came the rain

and washed the spider out,

 

Out came the sun and dried up all the rain,

And the Itsy bitsy spider

climbed up the spout again.

Itsy Bitsy Spider Activity:

Create a fun Itsy Bitsy Spider hands-on sticky wall to act out the song with spiders and rain drops made from felt. Kids love recreating stories and they will really enjoy this felt activity.

It’s Raining, It’s Pouring 

This is a modern nursery rhyme from 1939 written by New York composer Charles Ives. The first line was published in a weekly newspaper in 1909 and was probably what inspired the song.

It’s Raining, It’s Pouring Lyrics

It’s raining, it’s pouring.

The old man is snoring.

Went to bed, and bumped his head

and couldn’t get up in the morning.

It’s Raining, It’s Pouring Activity:

This is a great nursery rhyme to learn if if is raining outside, or has been raining for a long time. Print out this cute lyric sheet and hang it up to sing and learn the rhyme together.

Jack and Jill Lyrics

The term Jack and Jill was used to describe a boy and a girl in the 16th century and even in a couple of Shakespeare’s plays. The rhyme was first known as Jack and Gill which was two boys. It was later changed to a boy and a girl. It was recorded in 1975 and published in Mother Goose’s Melody.

Jack and Jill Lyrics

Jack and Jill went up the hill

To fetch a pail of water.

Jack fell down and broke his crown,

And Jill came tumbling after.

 

Up Jack got and home did trot

As fast as he could caper;

And went to bed to mend his head

With vinegar and brown paper.

Jack and Jill Activities:

This is such a fun song to talk about and act out with your kids. They are going to love these hands-on Jack and Jill activities and printables that are themed to the song. 

5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed 

This classic nursery rhyme has been used by teachers and parents for generations. It is used as a tool to teach children a valuable lesson to listen to authority or you could get hurt. The rhyme has turned into different songs, books and even cartoon shows. 

5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed Lyrics

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!’

 

Four little monkeys jumping on the bed,

One fell off and bumped her head.

Papa called the Doctor and the Doctor said,

“No more monkeys jumping on the bed!’

 

Three 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!’

 

Two little monkeys jumping on the bed,

One fell off and bumped her head.

Papa called the Doctor and the Doctor said,

“No more monkeys jumping on the bed!’

 

One little monkey jumping on the bed,

He fell off and bumped his head.

Mama called the Doctor and the Doctor said,

“Put those monkeys straight to bed!’

5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed Activity:

Discuss why not listening can be dangerous and how you need to listen to stay safe and not get hurt. There is even a 5 Little Monkeys cute lyric sheet to print out and hang up while you are learning the song. 

Mary had a Little Lamb 

This sweet rhyme was written by American writer Sarah Josepha Hale. Music was written by the composer Lowel Mason in the 1830s. The story in the song originates from a true story of a 14 year old girl name Mary whose brother encouraged her to take her lamb to school with them!

Mary had a Little Lamb Lyrics

Mary had a little lamb,

Little lamb, little lamb.

Mary had a little lamb,

Its fleece was white as snow.

 

And everywhere that Mary went,

Mary went, Mary went.

Everywhere that Mary went,

The lamb was sure to go.

 

It followed her to school one day,

School one day, school one day.

It followed her to school one day,

Which was against the rule.

 

It made the children laugh and play,

Laugh and play, laugh and play.

It made the children laugh and play,

To see a lamb at school.

 

So the teacher turned him out,

turned him out, turned him out.

So the teacher turned him out,

And sent him straight away.

Mary had a Little Lamb Printable Pack:

Enhance your learning with a printable pack for Mary Had a Little Lamb full of learning fun that accompanies the song. There are story cards to act out the story from the song, sequencing pages, vocabulary learning activities and more.

Old MacDonald Had a Farm 

This English nursery rhyme and farm song was first recorded in America. It is very similar to a song called “Ohio (Old Macdougal Had a Farm) ” that was published in the WW1 era. There is an even older version in 1908 England.

Old MacDonald Had a Farm Lyrics

Old MacDonald had a farm, E I E I O,

 

And on his farm he had a cow, E I E I O.

With a moo moo here and a moo moo there,

Here a moo, there a moo, everywhere a moo moo.

Old MacDonald had a farm, E I E I O.

 

Old MacDonald had a farm, E I E I O,

And on his farm he had a pig, E I E I O.

With an oink oink here and an oink oink there,

Here an oink, there an oink, everywhere an oink oink.

Old MacDonald had a farm, E I E I O.

 

Old MacDonald had a farm, E I E I O,

And on his farm he had a duck, E I E I O.

With a quack quack here and a quack quack there,

Here a quack, there a quack, everywhere a quack quack.

Old MacDonald had a farm, E I E I O

 

Old MacDonald had a farm, E I E I O,

And on his farm he had a horse, E I E I O.

With a neh neh here and a neh neh there,

Here a neh, there a neh, everywhere a neh neh.

Old MacDonald had a farm, E I E I O.

 

Old MacDonald had a farm, E I E I O,

And on his farm he had some sheep, E I E I O.

With a bah bah here and a bah bah there,

Here a bah, there a bah everywhere a bah bah

Old MacDonald had a farm, E I E I O.

Old MacDonald Had a Farm Activity:

Teach your kids how to count and learn animal names and sounds with printable activities and videos for your kids to sing along with. 

Pat – A – Cake 

This is one of the oldest known nursery rhymes that was recorded in England in the 17th century. It first appeared in 1698 in a Thomas d’Urfey play and later around 1765 in Mother Goose’s Melody. The song is a popular clapping game.

Pat – A – Cake Lyrics

Pat a cake, pat a cake, baker’s man

Bake me a cake as fast as you can

Pat it and prick it and mark it with ‘B’

Put it in the oven for baby and me

For baby and me

For baby and me

Put it in the oven for baby and me

Pat a cake, pat a cake, baker’s man

Bake me a cake as fast as you can

Pat it and prick it and mark it with ‘B’

Put it in the oven for baby and me

For baby and me

For baby and me

Put it in the oven for baby and me

Fun Pat – A – Cake Activity:

 A fun activity to do with little ones is to do a finger play and hand demonstration of patting and baking and putting a cake into an oven. Discuss a baker and what their job is and what they do. 

Pop! Goes the Weasel 

This is another popular singing game that originated in England. This song dates back to the 1850s. There are some interesting thoughts about the meaning. Many people believe that the Eagle that is mentioned refers to the Eagle Tavern in North London. Many think the song is about drinking and to drink until there is no money left!

Pop! Goes the Weasel Lyrics

All around the Mulberry Bush,

The monkey chased the weasel.

The monkey stopped to pull up his sock,

Pop! goes the weasel.

 

Half a pound of tuppenny rice,

Half a pound of treacle.

Mix it up and make it nice,

Pop! goes the weasel.

Pop! Goes the Weasel Activity:

Create an adorable little weasel that pops up out of a toilet paper tube with this fun pop up craft that accompanies the song.

Row, Row, Row Your Boat 

This popular rhyme originated in America in the 19th century. The song is educational and also interactive and used in many preschool and elementary music classes. Many swim lesson also include this song in the pool to help children become more comfortable in the water. 

Row, Row, Row Your Boat Lyrics

Row, row, row your boat

Gently down the stream

Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily

Life is but a dream

 

Row, row, row your boat

Gently down the stream

 

If you see a crocodile

Don’t forget to scream!

Row, Row, Row Your Boat Activity:

Set up a pretend play row boat tub to act out the song with your babies and toddlers at home. They will have so much fun playing and singing together and climbing in and out of the tub. 

This Old Man 

This is another traditional English nursery rhyme that is also a counting song. It was published in 1937 by a Nursery rhymes collector Anne Gilchrist who remembered it from her childhood. 

This Old Man Lyrics

This old man, he played one

He played knick-knack on my thumb

Knick-knack paddy whack

Give the dog the bone

This old man came rolling home.

 

This old man, he played two

He played knick-knack on my shoe

Knick-knack paddy whack

Give the dog the bone

This old man came rolling home.

 

This old man, he played three

He played knick-knack on my knee

Knick-knack paddy whack

Give the dog the bone

This old man came rolling home.

 

This old man, he played four

He played knick-knack on my door

Knick-knack paddy whack

Give the dog the bone

This old man came rolling home.

 

This old man, he played five

He played knick-knack on my hive

Knick-knack paddy whack

Give the dog the bone

This old man came rolling home.

 

This old man, he played six

He played knick-knack with some sticks

Knick-knack paddy whack

Give the dog the bone

This old man came rolling home.

 

This old man, he played seven

He played knick-knack up in Heaven

Knick-knack paddy whack

Give the dog the bone

This old man came rolling home.

 

This old man, he played eight

He played knick-knack on my gate

Knick-knack paddy whack

Give the dog the bone

This old man came rolling home.

 

This old man, he played nine

He played knick-knack on my spine

Knick-knack paddy whack

Give the dog the bone

This old man came rolling home.

 

This old man, he played ten

He played knick-knack once again

Knick-knack paddy whack

Give the dog the bone

This old man came rolling home.

This Old Man Activities:

Have fun singing the song, playing counting games and using rhyming cards along with videos to help enforce what they are learning through the lyrics. 

Three Blind Mice

This beloved nursery rhyme has an interesting historical origin. Some claims say that this rhyme is s about the Oxford Martyrs and that the mice stand for three Protestants that were executed by Queen Mary I of England, in the Catholicism and Protestantism conflict.

Three Blind Mice Lyrics

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?

Three Blind Mice Activity:

Turn this nursery rhyme into a preschool learning activity with sequencing picture cards and kindergarten literacy helps. 

Three Little Kittens

“Three Little Kittens” is an American nursery rhyme written in 1833 by Eliza Lee Cabot Fallen. The origins of the song come from English folk lore.

Three Little Kittens Lyrics

Three little kittens,

they lost their mittens,

and they began to cry.

“Oh, mother dear,”

we sadly fear,

that we have lost our mittens

Three Little Kittens Week Long Activity:

Learn about the three little kittens who lost their mittens for an entire week. Your children will love singing the song and making the song come alive with a new activity for each day of the week. 

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star 

This song was originally written as a poem titled the “Star” by English poet Jane Taylor in 1806. This rhyme shares the same style of tune as the “ABC Song” and “Baa Baa Black Sheep.” The repetitive nature of the song makes it an easy one to sing and memorize. 

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Lyrics

Twinkle, twinkle, little star,

How I wonder what you are!

Up above the world so high,

Like a diamond in the sky.

 

Twinkle, twinkle, little star,

How I wonder what you are!

 

When the blazing sun is gone,

When he nothing shines upon,

When you shower your little light,

Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.

 

Twinkle, twinkle, little star,

How I wonder what you are!

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Activity:

Turn this sweet song into a mini lesson with a lesson plan, printable packs and activities to keep your little ones busy.

Free Printable Nursery Rhyme Lyrics

Download a free set of printable nursery rhymes lyrics posters for the following titles: “ABC Song, Are You Sleeping,” “A Tisket, A Tasket,” “BINGO,” “Baa Baa Black Sheep,” “Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe,” “Head Shoulders Knees and Toes,” “Hey Diddle Diddle,” “Hickory Dickory Dock,” “Humpty Dumpty,” “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” “I’m a Little Teapot,” “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” “It’s Raining, It’s Pouring,” “Jack and Jill,” “5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed,” “Mary had a Little Lamb,” “Old MacDonald Had a Farm,” Pat – A – Cake,” “Pop! Goes the Weasel,” “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” “This Old Man,” “Three Blind Mice,” “Three Little Kittens,” and “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”

How to Download Nursery Rhymes PDF Posters

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In Conclusion

There are so many favorite nursery rhymes, there’s no way we could fit them all in this post. Some additional traditional rhymes are: London Bridge, Little Miss Muffet, Song of Sixpence, Little Bunny Foo Foo, Little Bo Peep, Hot Cross Buns, Little Jack Horner, Old King Cole, Little Red Hen, The Muffin Man and so many more!