20 Counting Nursery Rhymes

Nursery rhymes are enjoyed by young children and it teaches so much: from language and literacy to numeracy to social skills and all kind of other skills.  These counting nursery rhymes are such a fun way for preschool, pre-k, and kindegarten age children to learn new math skills, Using a clever paper plate and spinner clock to tell time with Hickory Dickory Dock, 5 little monkey or Itsy Bitsy Spider to work on simple counting, and more – these counting rhyming words are sure to be a hit with your children!

counting nursery rhymes

Nursery rhymes are a delightful experience for young children and serve as an essential foundation for their development. From enhancing language and literacy to introducing numeracy concepts and fostering social skills, rhymes like “Hickory Dickory Dock,” “Five Little Monkeys,” and “Itsy Bitsy Spider” provide a wealth of learning opportunities in a fun and engaging way.

Counting nursery rhymes, in particular, are a fantastic tool for preschool, pre-k, and kindergarten-aged children to develop critical math skills. Through repetition and melody, these rhymes help children understand numbers and counting in an enjoyable manner. For example, using a clever paper plate and spinner clock with “Hickory Dickory Dock,” children can grasp the concept of telling time while also practicing counting.

Incorporating interactive elements, like creating your own spinner clock, encourages hands-on learning that keeps children actively engaged. “Five Little Monkeys” can bring laughter while also introducing subtraction as children learn how one monkey jumps off the bed, reinforcing counting down. “Itsy Bitsy Spider” not only teaches counting up but also introduces children to sequencing as they follow along with the story.

These rhyming words are more than just entertaining; they build the foundation for early math skills while promoting language development and social interactions among peers. This makes learning feel like play, and that’s the magic of nursery rhymes! Encourage your little ones to sing and count along, and watch their skills soar as they learn through the joy of music and rhythm. Together, let’s make learning fun and impactful?

We have lots more free math activities for kindergarten to choose from. Plus don’t miss count and color worksheets, free counting worksheets for kindergarten, free counting games for kindergarten, fun counting games for kindergarten 1-20, and preschool number worksheets 1-10 pdf

counting rhyming words

• Starting off with a list of rhymes (with words) that specifically help with simple counting.
• Oh, and here is a nursery rhymes curriculum you might find interesting.
• A cute rhyme for Fall is Five Little Pumpkins , make pipecleaner pumpkin finger puppets or get counting with stickers.
• Another popular rhyme is Itsy Bitsy Spider, or do you say Incy Wincy Spider? Play this Itsy Bitsy Spider race to 20 Math game, so fun!

counting rhymes to 20

• Sing 5 Little Ducks and make this rock craft and play out the rhyme or print and color the ducks.
• This DIY Felt set is just too cute, perfect for a felt story board!
• Make Five Currant Buns for pretend play, perfect for a kindergarten classroom.
• Use this Five Little Monkeys sing and stick printable activity or make a bed from a box and use monkeys on craft sticks for THIS fun fine motor and counting activity.

Math nursery rhymes

• Count AND learn to read time with a paper plate and a fidget spinner pairing it with Hickory Dickory Dock .
• Make a shape craft clock or use numbered pegs to clip around a cardboard clock.
• Make cute pirate finger puppets and say/sing the rhyme Five Little Pirates.

nursery counting rhymes

• I love this idea for the rhyme Five Little Speckled Frogs : finger puppets from a cut glove!
• Alternatively, use a cardboard roll or pool noodle to manipulate the frogs as you sing.
• Fish for magnetic numbered fish and order it to go along with the rhyme 1,2,3,4,5 Once I caught a fish alive… or set up this fun Tuff spot activity.
• Count and help Little Bo Peep who has lost her sheep with this sensory activity using colored shaving foam.

So many fun nursery rhyme activities that teach counting! Which activity will you try out with your child first?