20 Nursery Rhymes With Actions: From Zero to Five

When I had my son, there was a significant emphasis on singing him nursery rhymes. But as a first-time parent, I only knew a few and not even the most common ones.

If you feel you’re in a similar boat, you’ve landed in the right place. To help other parents learn the best nursery rhymes, we’ve compiled a list of 20 nursery rhymes with actions so you can share these fun songs with your little one.

We’ll also share the benefits of nursery rhymes and some helpful tips for singing them. So, get ready to have some fun and experience the joy of singing with your little munchkin!

Benefits of Children’s Nursery Rhymes

Nursery rhymes are sweet songs, but they also have a certain magic. It’s no wonder that many parents, grandparents, and educators rely on nursery rhymes to entertain children.

Nursery rhymes have many benefits:

• Language development: Nursery rhymes lay the foundation for speech, vocabulary, and the rhythm of language (such as speech and volume). They’re easy to repeat, which encourages children to try out the phrases for themselves. Nursery rhymes also expose children to a variety of words, fostering a wider vocabulary at a younger age.
• Physical development: Many nursery rhymes with actions encourage children to move and act out the songs.
• Cognitive development: Nursery rhymes usually tell a story that’s easy to process, allowing little kids to process information. They also teach things like numbers, alphabet, sizes, and colors.
• Social development: Nursery rhymes help create bonds between children and their parents, peers, and educators. For parents, nursery rhymes offer a terrific foundation for physical touch, such as cuddling and clapping hands. When children begin attending school, daycare, or groups, familiar nursery rhymes can also help them bond together and form friendships.
• Emotional development: Nursery rhymes can encompass many emotions, be it funny, sad, thrilling, or happy. These songs allow children to explore emotions and understand others’ feelings.

20 Nursery Rhymes With Actions

There are dozens of children’s nursery rhymes that you could introduce to your child. After being exposed to (what feels like) them all, I’ve narrowed it down to 20 top picks that connect great with children, whether you’re looking for songs for preschoolers, kindergarten kids, infants, or even older kids.

1. Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

This lullaby is incredibly popular and a timeless classic. It’s perfect for babies as its gentle rhythm can soothe them to sleep, especially as they become more familiar with the song. It’s a simple song that parents can easily memorize and sing.

The song is based on a 19th-century poem by Jane Taylor and a French tune, making it a must-add to your collection of lullabies.

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!

2. Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes

This is a fun toddler song that teaches about eight different body parts while doing entertaining actions. It works best in a group, as children can learn from their peers as they go along. The song is easy to memorize, and the actions are straightforward. Children simply have to point to each body part mentioned in the song as they sing along.

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.

3. Itsy Bitsy Spider

This spider-centered nursery rhyme takes the creepiness out of these crawlies! It tells the story of a determined spider trying to climb up a water spout on a rainy day. Children love these simple challenges and engage well with songs that tell a more intense story. Plus, the actions are fun and more challenging than other nursery rhymes, making this enjoyable for kindergarten kids.

Lyrics

The itsy bitsy spider climbed up the water spout,
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.

4. Are You Sleeping?

This lovely lullaby is sung to the timeless tune of Frère Jacques in French. Use it to wake your child or lull them into a dream-filled sleep. The actions are also easy, making it a fantastic choice to teach toddlers.

Lyrics

Are you sleeping, are you sleeping?
Brother John, Brother John,
Morning bells are ringing, morning bells are ringing,
Ding, ding, dong! Ding, ding, dong!

5. The Wheels on the Bus

This song is a great introduction to nursery rhymes for kids. The repetitive nature makes it easy for kids to become familiar with, meaning it will probably become a quick favorite! And parents, you might love it, too, because it doesn’t have an annoying tune like some other nursery rhymes.

Perfect for vehicle lovers, this song takes you through the day on a bus. The wheels go round, the wipers go swish, the babies cry… It’s a timeless and popular nursery rhyme with super fun actions.

Lyrics

The wheels on the bus go round and round
Round and round
Round and round
The wheels on the bus go round and round
All through the town

The horn on the bus goes beep, beep, beep
Beep, beep, beep
Beep, beep, beep
The horn on the bus goes beep, beep, beep
All through the town

The doors on the bus go
Open and shut
Open and shut
Open and shut
The doors on the bus go
Open and shut
All through the town

The wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish
Swish, swish, swish
Swish, swish, swish
The wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish
All through the town

The driver on the bus says, ‘move on back’
Move on back
Move on back
The driver on the bus says, ‘move on back’
All through the town

The people on the bus go up and down
Up and down
Up and down
The people on the bus go up and down
All through the town

The baby on the bus goes ‘waa waa waa’
Waa waa waa
Waa waa waa
The baby on the bus goes ‘waa waa waa’
All through the town

The Mommy on the bus says, ‘shh, shh, shh’
Shh, shh, shh
Shh, shh, shh
The mommy on the bus says, ‘shh, shh, shh’
All through the town

The Daddy on the bus says I Love you
I love you
I love you
The Daddy on the bus says I love you
All through the town

(spoken) Now let’s move our arms in a circle, like the wheels:
Go up, up, up, up, up
and down, down, down, down, down
Now sing it all again with me!

The wheels on the bus go round and round
Round and round
Round and round
The wheels on the bus go round and round
All through the town

6. Five Little Monkeys

If your child has a sense of humor, they’ll probably love this one. It’s about five rebellious monkeys jumping on the bed, even after the doctor told them not to. One by one, they get injured, leaving them all with bumps and bruises.

There are easy actions to go along with this one and you can even get bouncing (in a safer area than the monkeys!) to feel the thrill of the song.

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!”

(Repeat five, four, three, two, and finally, one).

7. The Little Piggy

A familiar rhyming song with activity, this song is excellent for babies. Short and easy to memorize, this song is a great bonding rhyme between parent and child. All you need are your baby’s adorable toes and 20 seconds, and you have mastered the art of this silly song. Start on one toe and move to the next toe with each new line before running your fingers up to tickle your child.

Lyrics

This little piggy went to market,
This little piggy stayed at home,
This little piggy had roast beef,
This little piggy had none,
And this little piggy cried, “Wee, wee, wee,” all the way home.

8. A Sailor Went to Sea

With extremely simple actions, this repetitive song is a wonderful song with movement for kids. The final verse gets trickier, but the first few verses are a good starting point. Practice makes perfect, after all. If your little one is fascinated by the sea and water creatures, this might be a huge hit.

Lyrics

A sailor went to sea sea sea
To see what she could see see see
But all that she could see see see
Was the bottom of the deep blue sea sea sea

A sailor went to chop chop chop
To see what she could chop chop chop
But all that she could chop chop chop
Was the bottom of the deep blue chop chop chop

A sailor went to knee knee knee
To see what she could knee knee knee
But all that she could knee knee knee
Was the bottom of the deep blue knee knee knee

A sailor went to sea, chop, knee
To see what she could see, chop, knee
But all that she could see, chop, knee
Was the bottom of the deep blue sea, chop, knee (x2)

9. Hickory Dickory Dock

This song is really catchy, and my son can’t stop listening to it. Hickory Dickory Dock is an excellent tool for teaching counting and numeracy to kids. The actions are simple, but the lyrics are a bit more complex, which makes it a healthy challenge for kids. It helps them to learn new vocabulary, pronunciation, counting, and multitasking skills.

Lyrics

Hickory dickory dock.
The mouse ran up the clock.
The clock struck 1.
The mouse ran down
Hickory dickory dock.

Hickory dickory dock.
The mouse ran up the clock.
The clock struck 2.
The mouse ran down
Hickory dickory dock.

Hickory dickory dock.
The mouse ran up the clock.
The clock struck 3.
The mouse ran down
Hickory dickory dock.

Hickory dickory dock.
The mouse ran up the clock.
The clock struck 4.
The mouse ran down
Hickory dickory dock.

10. Sleeping Bunnies

This is one of my favorite nursery rhymes. It’s adorable to see the kids settle down together and then go crazy, hopping around. This is also a good one for waking up from naptime when children are still in that groggy, grumpy mood. Although this nursery rhyme is about sleeping, it’s a playful tune that accompanies hopping actions, serving as a delightful opportunity to tire little ones out.

Lyrics

See the little bunnies sleeping till it’s nearly noon.
Shall we wake them with a merry tune?
They’re so still, are they ill?
Wake up, little bunnies!
Hop little bunnies, hop, hop, hop,
Hop little bunnies, hop, hop, hop,
Hop little bunnies, hop, hop, hop,
Wake up, little bunnies, hop, hop, hop!

11. If You’re Happy and You Know It

This popular, cheerful song is ideal for introducing to children at a young age, such as six months old. However, I believe it will still be a hit with kids even when they reach kindergarten. It’s an excellent tool for teaching infants how to clap their hands. As they grow older, they can incorporate other actions, such as stomping their feet and reaching up high.

Lyrics

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands. (Clap-clap)
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands. (Clap-clap)
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. (Clap-clap)

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

If you’re happy and you know it, shout “Hooray!” (Hoo-ray!)
If you’re happy and you know it, shout “Hooray!” (Hoo-ray!)
If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it.
If you’re happy and you know it, shout “Hooray!” (Hoo-ray!)

If you’re happy and you know it, do all three (clap-clap, stomp-stomp, hoo-ray!)
If you’re happy and you know it, do all three (clap-clap, stomp-stomp, hoo-ray!)
If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it
If you’re happy and you know it, do all three. (clap-clap, stomp-stomp, hoo-ray!)

12. I’m a Little Teapot

“I’m a Little Teapot” is a fun classic among rhyming songs with hand motions. It’s a traditional song that originated in the United States but is now popular worldwide. It’s about a teapot that gets hot, whistles, and then needs to pour out. Combined with fun, full-body actions, kids — especially older preschoolers — love this one. It’s a lighthearted tune and song, and it’s simple enough for toddlers to grasp.

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!

13. Little Bunny Foo Foo

Whether you’re using this action song to entertain your little one or they are keen to learn the actions, this is a fantastic song for bonding. Plus, it has a thrilling, repetitive vibe, making it very engaging. Following a mischievous bunny who is on the hunt for field mice, he is warned by a fairy who begs him to stop. In the end, the bunny doesn’t listen, and therefore, the fairy turns him into a goon! Scary!

Lyrics

Little Bunny Foo Foo,
Hopping through the forest,
Scooping up the field mice,
And bopping them on the head.

Down came the Good Fairy, and she said,
“Little Bunny Foo Foo, I don’t want to see you,
Scooping up the field mice,
And bopping them on the head.

I’ll give you three chances,
And if you don’t behave, I’ll turn you into a goon!”

The next day…

Little Bunny Foo Foo,
Hopping through the forest,
Scooping up the field mice,
And bopping them on the head.

Down came the Good Fairy, and she said,
“Little Bunny Foo Foo, I don’t want to see you,
Scooping up the field mice,
And bopping them on the head.

I’ll give you two more chances,
And if you don’t behave, I’ll turn you into a goon!”

The next day…

Little Bunny Foo Foo,
Hopping through the forest,
Scooping up the field mice,
And bopping them on the head.

Down came the Good Fairy, and she said,
“Little Bunny Foo Foo, I don’t want to see you,
Scooping up the field mice,
And bopping them on the head.

This is your last chance,
And if you don’t behave, I’ll turn you into a goon!”

The next day…

Little Bunny Foo Foo,
Hopping through the forest,
Scooping up the field mice,
And bopping them on the head.

Down came the Good Fairy, and she said,
“Little Bunny Foo Foo, I gave you three chances.
Now you’ll be a goon!”

And the moral of the story is:
Hare today, goon tomorrow!

14. Old McDonald Had a Farm

The actions to this one aren’t as well known, but there are some fun and interactive actions to try out. My son is absolutely obsessed with this song, so when I found these actions, I was super excited to show him! This song also introduces little ones to various farm animals, such as cows, ducks, and pigs. Not only is it a fun and catchy song, but it’s also educational — a win-win!

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.
(Repeat with other animals.)

15. Open Shut Them

Looking for a nursery rhyme with actions for infants? My son understood the actions of this one before his first birthday. It’s a short nursery rhyme with easy actions. You can also slow the pace to help babies follow along. While kindergarten kids might find it a bit boring, it’s an excellent choice for zero- to two-year-olds.

Lyrics

Open shut them, open shut them.
Give a little clap, clap, clap.
Open shut them, open shut them.
Put them in your lap, lap, lap.

Big and small.
Big and small. Big and small.
Big, big, big, big. Small, small, small.
Big and small. Big and small.
Big, big, big, big. Small, small, small.

Please. No, thank you.
Please. No, thank you. Please. No, thank you.
Please, please, please, please. No, thank you.
Please. No, thank you. Please. No, thank you.
Please, please, please, please. No, thank you.

Fast and slow.
Fast and slow. Fast and slow.
Fast, fast, fast, fast. Slow, slow, slow.
Fast and slow. Fast and slow.
Fast, fast, fast, fast. Slow, slow, slow.

Loud and quiet.
Loud and quiet. Loud and quiet.
Loud, loud, loud, loud. Shh…quiet.
Loud and quiet. Loud and quiet.
Loud, loud, loud, loud. Shh…quiet.

Peek-a-boo.
Peek-a-boo. Peek-a-boo.
Peek-a, peek-a, peek-a-boo!

Peek-a-boo. Peek-a-boo.
Peek-a, peek-a, peek-a-boo!

16. Hokey Pokey

Whether you’ve got one child at home or you’re a preschool teacher with a dozen children, the “Hokey Pokey” is a childhood necessity! With fun full-body actions, toddlers love this one. Even school-age children will be fans. Going beyond actions, the “Hokey Pokey” is more of a dance, making it a fabulous choice for birthday parties.

Lyrics

You put your right foot in,
You put your right foot out,
You put your right foot in,
And you shake it all about.
You do the Hokey Pokey,
And you turn yourself around,
That’s what it’s all about!

You put your left foot in,
You put your left foot out,
You put your left foot in,
And you shake it all about.
You do the Hokey Pokey,
And you turn yourself around,
That’s what it’s all about!

You put your right hand in,
You put your right hand out,
You put your right hand in,
And you shake it all about.
You do the Hokey Pokey,
And you turn yourself around,
That’s what it’s all about!

You put your left hand in,
You put your left hand out,
You put your left hand in,
And you shake it all about.
You do the Hokey Pokey,
And you turn yourself around,
That’s what it’s all about!

You put your whole self in,
You put your whole self out,
You put your whole self in,
And you shake it all about.
You do the Hokey Pokey,
And you turn yourself around,
That’s what it’s all about!

17. Pat-a-Cake

Pat-a-Cake is another fun one for newborns. Parents can sing this classic nursery rhyme to their infants before they even understand music, as it makes for a great bonding activity with clapping. But it’s also an excellent nursery rhyme for toddlers, as it introduces them to some spelling. The actions are also fun! Kids can do them solo or with a friend, clapping hands with one another.

Lyrics

Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker’s man,
Bake me a cake as fast as you can.
Roll it and pat it and mark it with a “B,”
And put it in the oven for baby and me.

18. Five Little Ducks

This sweet and popular nursery rhyme is about a mother duck who takes her ducklings out one day. Each day, one goes missing (dark, I know!). The song’s repetitive and cumulative nature allows children to familiarise themselves with the lyrics learning numbers, context, and easy actions, making it a great nursery rhyme for littles.

Lyrics

Five little ducks went out one day,
Over the hills and far away.
Mother duck said, “Quack, quack, quack, quack,”
But only four little ducks came back.

Four little ducks went out one day,
Over the hills and far away.
Mother duck said, “Quack, quack, quack, quack,”
But only three little ducks came back.

Three little ducks went out one day,
Over the hills and far away.
Mother duck said, “Quack, quack, quack, quack,”
But only two little ducks came back.

Two little ducks went out one day,
Over the hills and far away.
Mother duck said, “Quack, quack, quack, quack,”
But only one little duck came back.

One little duck went out one day,
Over the hills and far away.
Mother duck said, “Quack, quack, quack, quack,”
And all of her five little ducks came back.

19. Wind the Bobbin Up

“Wind the Bobbin Up”is an English nursery rhyme from the Netherlands. I don’t really know why, but it’s a massive hit with kids! I think it’s because kids get to do fun and easy actions while pointing to other areas of a room, like a window and ceiling. Certainly, when my son was a baby, he loved figuring the actions out, feeling super proud of himself as everything clicked into place.

Lyrics

Wind the bobbin up,
Wind the bobbin up,
Pull, pull, clap, clap, clap.
Wind it back again,
Wind it back again,
Pull, pull, clap, clap, clap,
Point to the ceiling,
Point to the floor,
Point to the window,
Point to the door,
Clap your hands together, 1, 2, 3,
And place them gently upon your knee.

20. Ring a Ring o’Roses

This traditional rhyme has a few variations depending on where you’re from. But in the United States, the darkness has been removed a bit, and it’s a cheery song now! Accompanied by a circular dance with children holding hands, this is an awesome group activity that involves falling down, fun actions, and dancing together.

Lyrics

Ring a ring o’ roses,
A pocket full of posies,
A-tishoo! A-tishoo!
We all fall down.

Cows in the meadow,
Eating buttercups,
A-tishoo! A-tishoo!
We all jump up.

15 Action Songs for Preschoolers

Below are 15 fun action rhymes for preschoolers. Kids between 18 months and five will love these fun and interactive tunes.

1. Shake Our Sillies Out

Here’s an absolutely necessary add-on to your preschooler’s routine. “Shake Our Sillies Out” is an energetic action song, perfect for burning kids and helping them wind down before naps or bedtime. It involves shaking, nodding, clapping, and more, teaching children about various dance moves while learning a catchy song.

Lyrics

We’re going to shake, shake, shake our sillies out
Shake, shake, shake our sillies out
Shake, shake, shake our sillies out
Wibble our wobbles away
Well we’ve shaken our sillies out, how about we nod our noddies out?

We’re going to nod, nod, nod our noddies out
Nod, nod, nod our noddies out
Nod, nod, nod our noddies out
Wibble our wobbles away
Now can we clap our crazies out? Let’s all clap

We’re going to clap, clap, clap our crazies out
Clap, clap, clap our crazies out
Clap, clap, clap our crazies out
Wibble our wobbles away
Can you show me how high you can jump? Let’s all jump

We’re going to jump, jump, jump our jiggles out
Jump, jump, jump our jiggles out
Jump, jump, jump our jiggles out
Wibble our wobbles away
Well all that jumping made us really tired, let’s have a stretch and a yawn

We’re going to stretch, yawn, stretch and yawn again
Stretch, yawn, stretch and yawn again
Stretch, yawn, stretch and yawn again
Wibble our wobbles away
Hey

2. I Had a Little Turtle

This song is excellent for teaching children about a silly little turtle called Tiny Tim who does some naughty and silly things in the bathtub. The actions are fantastic; kids love this one, especially two and up. It’s an excellent option for preschool settings, as kids can learn the actions from each other.

Lyrics

I had a little turtle.
His name was Tiny Tim.
I put him in the bathtub,
to see if he could swim.

He ate up all the bubbles.
He drank up all the soap,
And now he’s home, sick in bed,
with bubbles in his throat.

Bubble, bubble, bubble.
Bubble, bubble pop!
Bubble, bubble, bubble.
Bubble, bubble, pop!

3. Five Green and Speckled Frogs

This action song features repeating verses that count down from five. So, not only does this song teach music, actions, and animals, but it teaches numeracy, too. I love this one because it teaches some fun new words, such as ‘speckled’ and ‘delicious.’

Lyrics

Five green and speckled frogs
sat on a speckled log
eating some most delicious bugs
(Yum yum!)
One jumped into the pool,
where it was nice and cool.
Now there are just
4 green speckled frogs….
(Ribbit ribbit!)

(Repeat counting down to zero).

4. Five Little Peas

This fingerplay song is great for a more relaxed sing-song session. Kids only need to use their fingers and hands for this song, making it a great option for fine motor skills. It gives kiddos a break from dancing songs, too.

Lyrics

Five little peas in a pea-pod pressed,
One grew, two grew, and so did all the rest.
They grew, and they grew… and did not stop,
Until one day the pod went… POP!

(Repeat counting down to zero).

5. Tooty-Ta

Does your kid love funky pop music? Then, this movement song is about to become a huge hit! Adding one simple dance move per verse, such as thumbs up, elbows back, and feet apart, kids can learn a whole choreographed dance. My son loves these earworm songs with clear instructions. It’s also an excellent song for a group setting such as preschool or a creche.

Lyrics

A Tooty Ta, A Tooty Ta, A Tooty Ta Ta

A TootyTa, A Tooty Ta, A Tooty Ta Ta
(children repeat each line)

Thumbs up, thumbs up

A Tooty Ta, A Tooty Ta, A Tooty Ta Ta

Thumbs up, thumbs up
Elbows back, elbows back
A Tooty Ta, A Tooty Ta, A Tooty Ta Ta

Thumbs up, thumbs up
Elbows back, elbows back
Feet apart, feet apart

A Tooty Ta, A Tooty Ta, A Tooty Ta Ta

Thumbs up, thumbs up
Elbows back, elbows back
Feet apart, feet apart
Knees together, knees together

A Tooty Ta, A Tooty Ta, A Tooty Ta Ta

Thumbs up, thumbs up
Elbows back, elbows back
Feet apart, feet apart
Knees together, knees together
Bottoms up, bottoms up

A Tooty Ta, A Tooty Ta, A Tooty Ta Ta

Thumbs up, thumbs up
Elbows back, elbows back
Feet apart, feet apart
Knees together, knees together
Bottoms up, bottoms up
Tongue out, tongue out

A Tooty Ta, A Tooty Ta, A Tooty Ta Ta

Thumbs up, thumbs up
Elbows back, elbows back
Feet apart, feet apart
Knees together, knees together
Bottoms up, bottoms up
Tongue out, tongue out
Eyes shut, eyes shut

A Tooty Ta, A Tooty Ta, A Tooty Ta Ta

Thumbs up, thumbs up
Elbows back, elbows back
Feet apart, feet apart
Knees together, knees together
Bottoms up, bottoms up
Tongue out, tongue out
Eyes shut, eyes shut
Turn around, turn around

A Tooty Ta, A Tooty Ta, A Tooty Ta Ta

6. Up and Down

If your child loves the Tooty-Ta song, they might also dig this one. It’s another pop song for kids with fun step-by-step actions. In fact, these songs are an excellent foundation for learning the Cha Cha Slide when they’re older. Again, this is great for solo dancing or grooving with friends.

Lyrics

Put your hands up in the air
What’s up in the air?
Birds fly in the air
Planes fly in the air
Put your hands up in the air and shake them up there
Up up up up up in the air

Now put them way down low
Down low near the floor
Put ‘em near the ground
And shake them all around
Drum your hands on the ground and make a loud loud sound
Down down down down down on the ground

BRIDGE:
Put them up high, put them down low.
Put them up high, put them down low.
And we go up and down, and up and down
Up down up down move your body all around.

CHORUS:
Up up up up up
Down down down down down
Up up up up up
Down down down down down

RAP:
This is a song about up and down
In your city, in your town
Everywhere you look around
Lots of things go up and down
Elevators, escalators,
Helicopter operators
Gravity is so profound: whatever goes up
Must come down.

CHORUS
Up up up up up
Down down down down down
Up up up up up
Down down down down down

VERSE 2
Put your arms up in the air
What’s up in the air?
Stars are in the air
Clouds are in the air
Put your arms up in the air and wave up there
Up up up up up in the air

Now put them way down low
Down low near the floor
Put ‘em near the ground
And wiggle them all around
Drum your hands on the ground and make a loud loud sound
Down down down down down on the ground

BRIDGE:

Put them up high, put them down low.
Put them up high, put them down low.
And we go up and down, and up and down
Up down up down everybody dance around.

CHORUS:
Up up up up up
Down down down down down
Up up up up up
Down down down down down

7. One Little Finger

Younger preschoolers will love this one. It’s an excellent hand-action song for teaching the body parts, making it a great option for one-—to three-year-olds. It’s adorable seeing toddlers get the hang of basic concepts, such as where the finger, nose, and legs are located. This cute and simple song is a great way to teach them some essentials, whether to one kid or a class of 20!

Lyrics

One little finger, one little finger, one little finger.
Tap tap tap.
Point your finger up.
Point your finger down.
Put it on your head. Head!

One little finger, one little finger, one little finger.
Tap tap tap.
Point your finger up.
Point your finger down.
Put it on your nose. Nose!

One little finger, one little finger, one little finger.
Tap tap tap.
Point your finger up.
Point your finger down.
Put it on your chin. Chin!

One little finger, one little finger, one little finger.
Tap tap tap.
Point your finger up.
Point your finger down.
Put it on your arm. Arm!

One little finger, one little finger, one little finger.
Tap tap tap.
Point your finger up.
Point your finger down.
Put it on your leg. Leg!

One little finger, one little finger, one little finger.
Tap tap tap.
Point your finger up.
Point your finger down.
Put it on your foot. Foot!
Put it on your leg. Leg!
Put it on your arm. Arm!
Put it on your chin. Chin!
Put it on your nose. Nose!
Put it on your head. Head!
Now let’s wave goodbye. Goodbye!

8. Autumn Leaves Are Falling Down

Do you need a song to teach children about autumn? This sweet song is perfect for September, October, and November. It teaches children all about autumn leaves and how to clean them up. This soothing song is fantastic for preschoolers of all ages, accompanied by simple actions

Lyrics

Autumn leaves are falling down, falling down, falling down.
Autumn leaves are falling down, red, gold, and brown.

We will rake them in a pile, in a pile, in a pile.
We will rake them in a pile, red, gold, and brown.

We are jumping in the leaves, in the leaves, in the leaves.
We are jumping in the leaves, red, gold, and brown.

(Repeat).

9. Super Simple Disco

I won’t lie — some songs aimed at kids can be a headache. But as a parent, I’m a fan of Super Simple Songs, as their tunes are much easier to listen to. The “Super Simple Disco” song is excellent and catchy for preschoolers. It teaches them to listen, follow instructions, and dance.

Lyrics

Hey everybody… Let’s dance!
Point your finger in the air like you are pointing at an airplane.
Now point it down at the ground like you are pointing at a bug.

Point up.
Point down.
Point up.
Point down.

Up.
Down.
Up.
Down.
Up, down, up, down.
Up, down, up, down.
Stop!

Now, let’s try another move. Roll your hands like the wheels on the bus.

Roll.
Roll.
Roll.
Roll.

Roll.
Roll.
Roll.
Roll.
Roll, roll, roll, roll.
Roll, roll, roll, roll.
Stop!

Now, point your thumbs behind you like you are saying, “Move on back.”

Point back.
Point back.
Point back.
Point back.

Point back.
Point back.
Point back.
Point back.
Back, back, back, back.
Back, back, back, back.
Stop!

Now, let’s put them all together and dance!

Point your finger!
Wheels on the bus!
Move on back!
Point.
Wheels.
Move on back.
Move on back.
Point.
Wheels.
Move on back.
Move on back.
Dance!

10. Me!

“Me!” is another simple song for younger kids. This slow-paced song teaches body parts again and is great for kids just learning about body parts. We also love that it involves a bit of dancing, including jumping and wiggling, to get energy out of overstimulated kids!

Lyrics

This is my head.
These are my eyes.
This is my nose.
These are my ears.
This is my mouth.
These are my teeth.
This is my chin.
These are my cheeks.

Sing along with me.
La, la, la, la, la.
Jump along with me.
Wiggle along with me.
Point along with me.

Head!
Eyes!
Nose!
Ears!
Mouth!
Teeth!
Chin!
Cheeks!

This is my neck.
This is my chest.
This is my back.
This is my stomach.
These are my shoulders.
These are my arms.
These are my hands.
These are my fingers.

Sing along with me.
La, la, la, la, la.
Jump along with me.
Wiggle along with me.
Point along with me.

Neck!
Chest!
Back!
Stomach!
Shoulders!
Arms!
Hands!
Fingers!

These are my legs.
These are my knees.
These are my feet.
These are my toes.

Sing along with me.
La, la, la, la, la.
Jump along with me.
Wiggle along with me.
Point along with me.

Legs!
Knees!
Feet!
Toes!

Sing along with me.
La, la, la, la, la.
Jump along with me.
Wiggle along with me.
This is me!

11. The Jellyfish

This silly song is great for singing and dancing together. Perfect for circle time, preschoolers will love this interactive song. It’s another that teaches children how to follow instructions and to trust the process to see the final product.

Lyrics

Repeat after me.
Arms up.
Wrists together.
The jellyfish, the jellyfish, the jellyfish, the jellyfish.

Arms up.
Wrists together.
Elbows together.
The jellyfish, the jellyfish, the jellyfish, the jellyfish.

Arms up.
Wrists together.
Elbows together.
Knees together.
The jellyfish, the jellyfish, the jellyfish, the jellyfish.

Arms up.
Wrists together.
Elbows together.
Knees together.
Feet together.
The jellyfish, the jellyfish, the jellyfish, the jellyfish.

Arms up.
Wrists together.
Elbows together.
Knees together.
Feet together.
Head back.
The jellyfish, the jellyfish, the jellyfish, the jellyfish.

12. Brain Break

This song does exactly as it says in the title — it provides kids with a brain break. Adults, we might want to give this a go, too! With clapping and stretching, this song is full of activities to give minds a break, especially after more intense learning sessions. While it’s great for preschoolers, this song would benefit all elementary kids.

Lyrics

Clap! Clap!

Now it’s time for a brain break.

Clap! Clap!
It’ll make you feel great!

Stretch up high!

Reach for the sky!
Clap! Clap!
Now it’s time for a, brain break!
Stretch!
Stretch!
Stretch!
Stop!

Clap! Clap!
Now it’s time for a brain break
Clap! Clap!

It’ll make you feel great!

Bend down low!
Touch your toes!
Clap! Clap!
Now it’s time for a, brain break!
Touch your toes!
Touch your toes!
Touch your toes!
Stop!

Clap! Clap!
Now it’s time for a brain break
Clap! Clap!
It’ll make you feel great!

Run!
Run!
Run!
Run some more!
Clap! Clap!
Now it’s time for a, brain break!
Run!
Run!
Run!
Stop!

Clap! Clap!

Now it’s time for a brain break
Clap! Clap!
It’ll make you feel great!

March!
March!
March!
March some more!
Clap clap
Now it’s time for a, brain break!
March!
March!
March!
Stop!

Clap! Clap!
Now it’s time for a brain break
Clap! Clap!
It’ll make you feel great!

Wave your hands in the air!
Way up there!
Clap clap
Now it’s time for a, brain break!
Wave!
Wave!
Wave!
Stop!!

Clap! Clap!
That’s the end of the, brain break!!

13. The Goldfish (Let’s Go Swimming)

Folk music meets nursery rhymes with this fun song. The actions are woven into the lyrics, meaning you can put this song on at any point, and kids can join right in. Great while you’re cooking dinner, on long journeys in the car, or teaching preschool.

Lyrics

Lots of little fish were sleeping on a rock in the bottom of the ocean.
They lifted up their heads and they shook out their tails and they said “let’s go swimming!”

Chorus
Let’s go swimming. Let’s go swimming.
Yeah, let’s go swimming. Let’s go swimming.
Let’s go swimming in the bottom of the ocean.

Bridge:
Then the little fish got so very very tired.
But they came back to the rock.
They put down their heads and they put down their tails,
and they took a little nap.

And when they woke up. They were a little bit dirty. So they took a shower.
And they washed their hair and they washed their ears. And they washed,
their tummies and they washed their very long fishy beards.
And they washed their noses. And they washed their toeses.
And then they said, “Wait a minute, we’re fish, we don’t take showers.”

Chorus and Bridge
And When they woke up. They decided to ride their bicycles.
So they rode to the left and they rode to the right.
And road all daaaaay and they rode all night night night night night.
And they rode down the hill and then faster still.
And then they said, “Wait a minute, we’re fish, we don’t ride bicycles.”

Chorus and Bridge

And when they woke up. They decided to brush their teeth.
So they got out their toothbrush. And their toothpaste.
And they squeezed a little on.
They really liked the taste. Then they put it in their mouth.
They brushed north and south.
Chuka chee chukka chee Chuka chee chukka chee.
And then they said, “Wait a minute, we’re fish, we don’t brush our teeth.”

Chorus 2X

14. Get Yo Body Movin’

For kids with sass, this song is perfect. It’s a dance-a-long hip-hop song with the actions spoken through the lyrics, making it easy to understand and follow along. Perfect for ages three and up, this is a groovy and interactive song that also serves as a bit of a workout. Parents, see if you can keep up with the kids!

Lyrics

Get get yo body body mo mo moving
Get get yo body body mo mo moving
Get get yo body body mo mo moving
Get get yo body body mo mo moving

Everybody here let me see you dip
Let me see you dip (x2)
Dip it now
D-d-d-d-dip (x2)

Everybody here let me see you push it
Let me see you push it (x3)
Push it, push it real good (x3)
Push it real good, push it

Get get yo body body mo mo moving
Get get yo body body mo mo moving
Get get yo body body mo mo moving
Get get yo body body mo mo moving

Everybody here let me see you bounce
Let me see you bounce (x2)
Bounce it now
Bounce, bounce, bounce, get bouncing

Everybody here let me see you pull it
Let me see you pull it (x2)
Pull it, pull it, pull it, pull it, pull it…

Get get yo body body mo mo moving
Get get yo body body mo mo moving
Get get yo body body mo mo moving
Get get yo body body mo mo moving

15. Jiggle Your Scarf

Last but not least, “Jiggle Your Scarf” is a great one for music class. All you need are sensory scarves and some space for dancing. Kids love props, so this is an excellent one for engaging even the most stubborn kiddos. If you don’t have a sensory scarf, you can use a cloth, tea towel, or even an actual scarf.

Lyrics

Jiggle your scarf
Jiggle, jiggle, jiggle
Jiggle and turn around

Jiggle your scarf,
Jiggle, jiggle, jiggle
Jiggle and touch the ground

Jiggle it by your nose
Jiggle it by your knees
Jiggle it by your toes
Jiggle, jiggle, jiggle, and FREEZE!

(Repeat).

Tips for Singing Nursery Rhymes

Using nursery rhymes with actions to bond with your child, teach them new songs, or learn fun actions is a great activity for each day. Here are some tips for engaging kids while singing nursery rhymes:

• Be expressive: When introducing a child to a nursery rhyme, be expressive. This easily captivates children and gets them excited about the song.
• Be repetitive: Choose repetitive songs and also sing the same song multiple times. Sometimes, we listen to the same nursery rhymes 20 times in one day! It helps kids become familiar with the songs and confident in the language.
• Make a routine: Sing songs at specific points throughout your day. Singing songs first thing in the morning and last thing at night is an effective way to indicate that it’s time to get up or time to wind down.
• Face-to-face: Do these songs face-to-face with your child as you sing. This allows them to make eye contact and watch your facial expressions.
• Take it slow: Sing slowly to allow your child to hear the words and learn the actions.
• Don’t be afraid: Don’t be worried about making mistakes or singing out of tune. Your child won’t mind. You can always use videos or the backing track to help you.
• Get creative: Don’t like a certain lyric? Change it! Think of a better action? Use it! Have fun with nursery rhymes, making them your own, for you and your child.
• Use props: Using props makes nursery rhymes extra fun. For example, you can use sock puppets or stuffed animals.
• Encourage participation: Invite children to join in, showing them the action yourself and encouraging them to get up and try it, too.
• Make it a full-body experience: Take it up a notch and stand up when doing nursery rhymes. Turn the actions into a whole-body experience for even more fun.