1. home and garden
2. nursery and playroom

Mother
Goose
Time
Nursery
rhymes,
songs, and
fingerplays for
caregivers
of young
children
Babies and Early Literacy
Š
Babies learn about language right from birth.
Š
Reading, singing, and using nursery rhymes and
language play throughout the day teaches children
about the sounds of our language.
Š
All children need to have the six pre-literacy skills when
they begin school (see below).
Š
When children are prepared for school, they are much
more likely to succeed.
The six pre-literacy skills young children can
start learning right from birth:
Narrative skills. Talk about what you are doing as you go
through your day
Vocabulary. Speak clearly, encourage babbling and
attempts at saying words; point to pictures and objects and
name them
Letter knowledge. Help children see shapes and name
them, read alphabet books and say the names of letters;
point out letters on toys, food boxes, and other places.
Phonological awareness. Use songs and nursery rhymes to
help young children learn the sounds of language; add
actions to the sounds
Print motivation. Begin reading right from birth; make book
sharing a special time and visit the library often to find
appealing books.
Print awareness. Use board or cloth books and let child hold
the book; read aloud every day; point out labels, signs, and
other sources of print and read them out loud.
Nursery Rhymes
Hey Diddle Diddle
Hey diddle diddle
The cat and the fiddle
The cow jumped over the moon
The little dog laughed
To see such a sight
And the dish ran away with the spoon
Little Miss Muffet
Little Miss Muffet
Sat on her tuffet
Eating her curds and whey
Along came a spider
And sat down beside her
And frightened Miss Muffet away
Hickory Dickory Dock
Hickory dickory dock
The mouse ran up the clock
The clock struck one
The mouse ran down
Hickory dickory dock
Little Boy Blue
Little boy blue,
Come, blow your horn.
The sheep’s in the meadow,
The cow’s in the corn.
Where’s the little boy
Who looks after the sheep?
He’s under the haystack
Fast asleep.
Jack and Jill
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
Rub-a-Dub-Dub
Rub-a-dub-dub,
Three men in a tub,
And how do you think they got there?
The butcher, the baker,
The candlestick maker,
They all jumped out of a rotten potato
‘Twas enough to make a man stare
One Two Buckle My Shoe
One, two, buckle my shoe.
Three, four, shut the door.
Five, six, pick up sticks.
Seven, eight, lay them straight.
Nine, ten, a good fat hen.
Old Mother Goose
Old Mother Goose,
When she wanted to wander
Would ride through the air
On a very fine gander.
Little Bo-Peep
Little Bo-Peep has lost her sheep,
And can’t tell where to find them.
Leave them alone,
And they’ll come home,
Wagging their tails behind them.
Humpty Dumpty
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.
Rock-a-Bye, Baby
Rock-a-bye, baby,
On the treetop.
When the wind blows,
The cradle will rock.
When the bough breaks,
The cradle will fall.
Down will come baby,
Cradle and all.
Pease Porridge Hot
Pease porridge hot,
Pease porridge cold,
Pease porridge in the pot
Nine days old.
Some like it hot,
Some like it cold,
Some like it in the pot,
Nine days old.
Mary, Mary
Mary, Mary, quite contrary
How does your garden grow?
With silver bells and cockle
shells
And pretty maids all in a row
Baa, Baa Black Sheep
Baa, baa, black sheep,
Have you any wool?
Yes sir, yes sir,
Three bags full.
One for my master,
One for my dame,
And one for the little boy,
Who lives down the lane.
red
pink
w
yello
blue
Hello and Goodbye
Rhymes
Hello, Everybody
Hello, everybody
(Wave to everyone)
And how are you?
(Shrug shoulders)
How are you?
(Shrug shoulders)
Hello
Hello, everybody
How
are you?
(Wave to everyone)
And how are you?
(Shrug shoulders)
How are you today?
(Shrug shoulders)
Peek-a-Boo
Peek-a-boo,
(Put hands over eyes, remove them quickly)
Peek-a-boo
(Repeat)
I see you, I see you
(Point to baby)
I see your button nose
(Point to nose)
I see your tiny toes
(Point to toes or shoes)
I see you,
(Point to baby)
Peek-a-boo.
(Repeat as above)
How Are You?
Hi, hello, how are you?
(wave hello)
How are you? How are you?
(point to children)
Hi, hello, how are you?
(wave hello)
How are you today?
(allow children time to respond to the question)
How
are you
today?
Skinnamarink
Skinnamarinky dinky dink,
(place left hand under right elbow and wiggle right hand)
Skinnamarinky doo,
(place right hand under left elbow and wiggle left hand)
I Love You!
(point to eye, fold arms across chest, point to child)
Skinnamarinky dinky dink,
(repeat above action)
Skinnamarinky doo,
(repeat above action)
I…love…you.
(repeat above action)
I love you in the morning,
(make a circle by holding your hands, keep arms down and gently swing
them back and forth)
And in the afternoon,
(same shape as above but move arms to chest level)
I love you in the evening
(same shape as above but move arms over head)
Underneath the moon.
(make a circular motion around body with arms)
Skinnamarinky dinky dink,
1
(same action as above)
Skinnamarinky doo,
(same action as above)
2
I…love…you.
(same action as above)
My Hands Say Thank You
My hands say “thank you” with a clap, clap, clap.
(Clap three times)
My feet say “thank you” with a tap, tap, tap.
(Tap feet three times)
Clap, clap, clap
(Clap three times)
Tap, tap, tap.
3
(Tap feet three times)
I roll my hands around
(Roll hands around)
And then I say “Goodbye!”
(Wave)
4
Hello
Hell-oo, Hell-oo, Hello and how are you?
I’m fine... I’m fine
And I hope that you are too! (Repeat)
Welcome
(Farmer in the Dell)
(clap to the rhythm throughout the song)
Child’s Name is here today, Child’s Name is here today,
Let’s all clap because Child’s Name is here today.
We Are Leaving
(Frere Jacques)
We are leaving
We are leaving
Until next week
Until next week
It was very nice to see you
It was very nice to see you
Have a nice day
Have a nice day
Fingerplays
The Itsy Bitsy Spider
The itsy bitsy spider climbed up the water spout.
(Opposite thumbs and pointer finger climb up)
Down came the rain and washed the spider out.
(Flutter fingers downward. Hands sweep down)
Out came the sun and dried up all the rain
(Arms form circle overhead, then sweep upward)
And the itsy bitsy spider climbed up the spout again.
(Opposite thumbs and pointer finger climb up)
Five Fat Peas
Five fat peas in a pea pod pressed.
(Hold fist up)
One grew, two grew, and so did all the rest.
(Bring up each finger like counting)
They grew and they grew and they never stopped.
(Raise arm higher and higher in the air)
They grew so big that the pea pod POPPED.
(Clap hands once)
Pat-a-Cake
Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker’s man
(Clap four times)
Bake me a cake as fast as you can.
(Clap four times)
Roll it
(Roll hands around each other)
And pat it
(Pat hands in air)
And mark it with a “B.”
(Trace “B” in the air)
And put it in the oven
(Forward motion of hands)
For baby and me.
(Point to baby then self)
Open, Shut Them
Open, shut them. Open , shut them.
(With hands at shoulder height, open and shut them)
Give a little clap.
(Clap hands)
Open, shut them. Open, shut them.
(With hands at shoulder height, open and shut them)
Lay them in your lap.
(Lay hands in lap)
Open, shut them. Open, shut them.
(Repeat motions)
Now, creep them, creep them
(Wiggle fingers while creep them up to chin)
Right up to your chin.
(Put fingers on chin)
Open up your little mouth: “Ahhh….”
(Open mouth and say “ahhh…”)
But do not let them in.
(Quickly put hands behind back)
Open, shut them. Open, shut them.
(Repeat motions)
Give a little clap.
(Repeat motions)
Open, shut them. Open, shut them.
(Repeat motions)
Lay them in your lap.
(Repeat motions)
Open, shut them. Open shut them.
(Repeat motions)
Now, like little birdies, let them flutter to the sky.
(“Flutter” fingers up high)
Falling, falling, almost to the ground.
(Bring “fluttering” fingers down, not quite to the ground)
Quickly pick them up again and turn them round and round.
(Quickly pick hands up and roll them around each other)
Faster, faster. Slower, slower.
(Do above motion faster then slower)
Open, shut them. Open, shut them.
(Repeat motions)
Give a little clap.
(Repeat motions)
Open, shut them. Open, shut them.
(Repeat motions)
Lay them in your lap.
(Repeat motions)
Five Little Ducks Went Out to Play
Five little ducks went out to play.
(Hold up 5 fingers)
Over the hills and far away.
(Put hand to forehead as if looking)
Mother duck said, “Quack, quack, quack, quack.”
(Use hand to make “quacking” motion)
But only four little ducks came back.
(Hold up 4 fingers)
(Repeat until no ducks come back.)
So father duck said, “QUACK, QUACK, QUACK, QUACK.”
(Use hand to make quacking motion)
And all the little ducks came back.
(Hold up 5 fingers)
Five Green and Speckled Frogs
Five green and speckled frogs
(Hold up 5 fingers and wag them back and forth)
Sitting on a speckled log
Eating some most delicious bugs.
(Make eating motion)
Yum, yum, yum.
(Rub tummy in circular motion)
One dove into the pool,
(Put hands together as if diving)
Where it was nice and cool.
Now there are four green, speckled frogs.
(Hold up 4 fingers and wag them back and forth)
(Repeat until no frogs)
Now there are no green, speckled frogs.
(Shrug shoulders)
Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed
Five little monkeys jumping on the bed
(Hold up 5 fingers)
One fell off and bumped his head.
(Bump head with hand)
The Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,
(Pretend to use telephone)
“No more monkeys jumping on the bed.”
(Wag finger)
(Repeat until no monkeys)
Five Little Monkeys Swinging in the Tree
Five little monkeys, swinging in a tree.
(Hold up 5 fingers on right hand. Swing rhythmically)
Teasing Mr. Crocodile, “You can’t catch me.”
(Wave fingers at left hand)
Up comes Mr. Crocodile as quiet as can be,
(Make “mouth” with left hand and creep toward right hand)
And snaps that monkey right out of the tree.
(Clap once)
(Repeat four…three…two…one until no monkeys)
No little monkeys swinging from a tree,
I’d better watch out or he might catch me!
(Point to self)
Here is the Beehive
Here is the beehive.
(Hold up fist)
But where are the bees?
(Shrug shoulders)
Hiding inside, where nobody sees.
(Tap fist with other hand)
Watch them come out of the hive.
One…two…three…four…five.
(Extend fingers one at a time and count)
Bzzzzzzzz….
(With all fingers extended, move hand to baby’s tummy and tickle)
Where is Thumbkins?
Where is Thumbkins?
(Hide hands behind back)
Where is Thumbkins?
Here he is,
(Bring out one hand, thumb up)
Here he is.
(Bring out other hand, thumb up)
Mighty glad to see you,
(Wag one thumb at the other)
Mighty glad to see you.
(Wag other thumb)
There he goes,
(Put one hand behind back)
There he goes.
(Put other hand behind back)
Fe, Fi, Fo, Fum
Fe, fi, fo, fum
(Clap)
See my fingers?
(Wag fingers)
See my thumbs?
(Wag thumbs)
Fe, fi, fo, fum
(Clap)
Goodbye fingers,
(Put one hand behind back)
Goodbye thumbs.
(Put other hand behind back)
Two Little Blackbirds
Two little blackbirds
(Hold up two thumbs)
Sitting on the wall.
One named Peter,
(Wag one thumb at the other)
The other named Paul.
(Wag other thumb at the other thumb)
Fly away Peter,
(One hand behind back)
Fly away Paul.
(Other hand behind back)
Come back Peter,
(Bring one back)
Come back Paul.
(Bring other back)
Fe, Fi, Fo, Fum
Roll Your Hands
Roll, roll, roll your hands
(Roll hands around each other fast)
As fast as fast can be.
Do it now, let me see,
Do it now with me.
Clap, clap, clap your hands,
(Clap hands rhythmically)
As loud as loud can be.
Do it now, let me see,
Do it now with me.
Tap, tap, tap your feet,
(Tap feet softly)
As soft as soft can be.
Do it now, let me see,
Do it now with me.
Wave
Wave one hand
Wave the other
Wave both hands
Now wave to each other!
(Do motions as rhyme suggests)
Grandma’s Glasses
These are Grandma’s glasses
(Make circle with thumb and index finger and put up to eyes)
This is Grandma’s hat.
(Make “tent” on head with hands)
Grandma folds her hands like this
(Fold hands together)
And puts them in her lap.
(Put hands in lap)
These are Grandpa’s glasses
(Repeat)
This is Grandpa’s hat.
(Repeat)
Grandpa folds his arms like this
(Fold arms over chest)
And takes a little nap.
(Put head to the side and “snore”)
This Little Piggy
This little piggy went to market
(Wiggle big toe back and forth)
This little piggy stayed home
(Wiggle next toe back and forth)
This little piggy had roast beef
(Wiggle next toe back and forth)
This little piggy had none.
(Wiggle next toe back and forth)
This little piggy went “Wee, wee, wee,”
(Wiggle little toe back and forth)
All the way home.
(Can also do this with the fingers, ending with the pinkie)
The Wheels on the Bus
The wheels on the bus go round and round
(Turn hands around each other)
Round and round, round and round
The wheels on the bus go round and round
All through the town.
The wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish…
(Move both hands and arms back and forth as wipers)
The driver on the bus says “Move on back….”
(Motion with thumb)
The people on the bus go up and down…
(Stand up and sit down)
The babies on the bus go “Wah, wah, wah…”
(Put fists to eyes as if crying)
The mothers on the bus go “Shh, shh, shh…”
(Put index finger to mouth)
The fathers on the bus go “I love you…”
(Hug self or baby)
Action Rhymes
If You’re Happy And You Know It
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.
(Clap twice)
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.
(Clap twice)
If you’re happy and you know it,
Then your face will surely show it,
(Pull up corners of mouth)
If you’re happy and you know it
Clap your hands.
(Clap twice)
(Repeat with stomp your feet,
shout hurray, do all three)
Down by the Station
Down by the station, early in the morning,
(Walk around room shuffling feet)
See the little puffer-bellies all in a row;
(Walk around room shuffling feet)
See the station master pull the little handle
(Pull “handle” in air and shuffle along)
Chug, chug, toot, toot, off we go!
(Pull “handle” in air and shuffle along)
Grand Old Duke of York
Oh, the grand old Duke of York,
(start sitting down)
He had ten thousand men.
He marched them up to the top of the hill
(stand up)
Then he marched them down again.
(crouch down)
And when you’re up you’re up
(stand up)
And when you’re down you’re down,
(Crouch down)
And when you’re only halfway up,
(Crouch halfway)
You’re neither up nor down.
(Stand up then go down quickly)
Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
Head, shoulders, knees and toes
(Touch head, shoulders, knees then toes)
Knees and toes.
(Touch knees then toes)
Head, shoulders, knees and toes
(Touch head, shoulders, knees then toes)
Knees and toes.
(Touch knees then toes)
Eyes and ears and mouth and nose.
(Point to eyes, ears then mouth and nose)
Head, shoulders, knees and toes
(Touch head, shoulders, knees then toes)
Knees and toes.
(Touch knees then toes)
Ring Around the Rosie
Ring around the rosie,
(Hold hands and walk in a circle)
A pocket full of posies,
Ashes, ashes, we all fall down!
(Sit down)
Cows are in the meadow,
(Clap)
Eating buttercups,
Ashes, ashes,
We all stand up!
(Stand up)
I’m a Little Teapot
I’m a little teapot
(Bend knees in rhythm)
Short and stout
Here is my handle,
(Put hand on hip like “handle”)
Here is my spout.
(Put arm out to side like “spout”)
When I get all steamed up
Hear me shout.
Just tip me over and pour me out!
(Lean over sideways on “spout” side)
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around.
(Turn around in circle)
Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the ground.
(Touch ground)
Teddy bear, teddy bear, show your shoe.
(Point one foot out)
Teddy bear, teddy bear, that will do.
(Wag finger)
If You’re Wearing Red Today
If you’re wearing red today,
(Clap)
Red today, red today,
If you’re wearing red today,
Please stand up.
(Person wearing red stands up)
(Repeat with other colors)
Punchinello
What can you do, Punchinello, funny fellow?
What can you do, Punchinello, funny you?
(one child performs an action)
We’ll do it too, Punchinello funny fellow,
We’ll do it too, Punchinello, funny you
(the rest of the group copies the action)
Up, Up, Up
Here we go up, up, up.
Here we go down, down, down.
Here we go up, up, up,
And now we turn around.
(follow actions described in the rhyme)
Walking, Walking
(tune: Frere Jacques)
Walking, walking,
Walking, walking.
Hop, hop, hop.
Hop, hop, hop.
Tiptoe, tiptoe,
Tiptoe, tiptoe.
Now we stop.
Stop, stop, stop.
(follow actions suggested in the rhyme)
Lap Rhymes
Father and Mother and Uncle John
Father and Mother and Uncle John
(bounce baby on knee)
Went to town, one by one.
Father fell off,
(lean to one side)
Mother fell off,
(lean to other side)
But Uncle John went on and on and on.
(bounce baby on knee)
Diddle Diddle Dumpling
Diddle, diddle, dumpling, my son John,
(bicycle child’s legs)
Went to bed with his trousers on.
One shoe off, and one shoe on,
(wiggle one foot and then the other)
Diddle, diddle, dumpling, my son John.
(bicycle child’s legs)
Rickety, Rickety Rocking Horse
Rickety, rickety rocking horse,
(bounce baby on lap)
Over the hills we go.
Rickety, rickety rocking horse,
Giddy-up, giddy-up, whoa!
(hug child on “whoa”)
Leg Over Leg
Leg over leg,
(bounce baby on lap)
As the dog went to Dover.
When he came to a stile,
Jump—he went over.
(lift baby up on “Jump”)
Pitty Patty Polt
Pitty, patty, polt,
(tap babies feet together)
Shoe the little colt,
Here a nail,
(wiggle one foot)
There a nail,
(wiggle other foot)
Pitty, patty, polt.
(tap babies feet together)
Bumping Downtown in My Little Red Wagon
Bumping downtown in my little red wagon,
(bounce baby on lap)
Bumping downtown in my little red wagon,
Bumping downtown in my little red wagon,
Bumpety, bump, bump…bump!
Slowly Slowly
Slowly, very slowly, up the garden rail,
(walk fingers up baby’s arm)
Slowly, very slowly, creep the little snail.
(walk fingers up baby’s other arm)
Then quickly, very quickly, runs the little mouse,
(circle babies belly)
Quickly, very quickly, all around the house.
Round and Round the Garden
Round and round the garden,
(circle babies belly)
Goes the teddy bear.
One step, two step,
(walk fingers up babies arm)
Tickle ‘em under there.
(tickle under chin)
Big A
Big A,
(bounce baby on lap)
Little a,
Bouncing B.
Cat’s in the cupboard,
But he can’t see me.
(cover baby’s eyes)
Peek-a-boo
(uncover baby’s eyes)
Little Train
This little train ran up the track,
(walk fingers up baby’s arm)
Toot, toot, toot.
This little train ran up the track,
(walk fingers up baby’s other arm)
And this little train came toot-tooting back.
(walk fingers down baby’s arm)
Toot, toot, toot.
Ride a Cock Horse
Ride a cock horse
(bounce baby on lap)
To Banbury Cross,
To see a fine lady
Upon a white horse.
With rings on her fingers,
(touch baby’s fingers)
And bells on her toes,
(touch baby’s toes)
She shall have music,
(bounce baby on lap)
Wherever she goes
Trot, Trot to London
1
Trot, trot to London.
(bounce baby on knees)
Trot, trot to Dover.
Look out baby,
Or you’ll fall over.
2
(lean knees to one side)
Trot, trot to Boston.
(bounce baby on knees)
Trot, trot to Lynn.
Look out baby,
Or you’ll fall in.
(lower knees)
Row, Row, Row Your Boat
Row, row, row your boat,
(bounce baby on lap)
3
Gently down the stream.
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily,
Life is but a dream.
Rock, rock, rock your boat,
(rock baby from side to side)
Gently to and fro.
Look out, give a shout,
Into the water you go.
4
Reading with young children
For infants from birth to 18 months
Choose books with bright, clear pictures that stand out from
the background. Board books are easier for small hands to
hold. Favorite books include those with photos of animals
and faces. Choose simple rhyming text. Describe what is
happening in each picture. Encourage babbling and other
attempts at communication.
For toddlers from 18 months to three years
Choose books with simple text and illustrations that feature
favorite animals and activities, such as bath time. Repetitive
phrases and cumulative stories encourage toddlers to help
“read” the book. Repeat animal sounds and other noises in
the story. Ask questions about the book. Interactive books
with flaps to lift up encourage involvement for busy hands.
How to share books with babies and toddlers:
1. Pick the best time. The best time to share books is when
both you and baby are in a good mood.
2. Show baby the book. Point to the pictures and talk about
them naturally and cheerfully.
3. Talk and have fun throughout storytime. Baby loves the
sound of your voice, and being touched and loved while
you read.
4. Watch what baby does. Let your baby play with the book
and stop if he or she gets upset.
5. Share a book every day. Reading for just a few minutes a
day teaches baby about language, and helps you and
baby bond.
Henrico County Public Library
Visit your nearest library to learn more about early
literacy.
Library Locations & Hours
BOOKMOBILE (804) 290-9350
DUMBARTON (804) 290-9400
6800 Staples Mill Rd.
Henrico, VA 23228-4930
ƒ M–TH: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
ƒ F & SA: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
FAIRFIELD (804) 290-9300
1001 N. Laburnum Ave.
Henrico, VA 23223-2705
ƒ M–TH: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
ƒ F & SA: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
GAYTON (804) 290-9600
10600 Gayton Rd.
Henrico, VA 23238-4117
ƒ M–W: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
ƒ TH: 1:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
ƒ F & SA: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
GLEN ALLEN (804) 290-9500
10501 Staples Mill Rd.
Glen Allen, VA 23060-3242
ƒ M–W: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
ƒ TH: 1:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
ƒ F & SA: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
MUNICIPAL GOV’T. & LAW
LIBRARY (804) 501-4780
4301 E. Parham Rd.
Henrico, VA 23228
ƒ M–F: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
NORTH PARK (804) 290-9700
8508 Franconia Rd.
Henrico, VA 23227-1213
ƒ M–W: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
ƒ TH: 1:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
ƒ F & SA: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
SANDSTON (804) 290-9900
23 E. Williamsburg Rd.
Sandston, VA 23150-2011
ƒ M–W: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
ƒ TH: 1:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
ƒ F & SA: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
TUCKAHOE (804) 290-9100
1901 Starling Dr.
Henrico, VA 23229-4607
ƒ M–TH: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
ƒ F & SA: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
TWIN HICKORY (804) 290-9200
5001 Twin Hickory Rd.
Glen Allen, VA 23059-2509
ƒ M–TH: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
ƒ F & SA: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
VARINA (804) 290-9800
2001 Library Rd.
Henrico, VA 23231-5826
ƒ M–W: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
ƒ TH: 1:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
ƒ F & SA: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
www.henricolibrary.org
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