When I became a mom, everyone told me to sing to my son. The problem? I could hum a tune, but I couldn’t remember the lyrics to save my life. I knew “Twinkle, Twinkle,” and that was about it.
If you are stuck in the same humming loop, you are in the right place. I have rounded up the best nursery rhymes with actions to help you bond with your little one. These aren’t just songs; they are interactive play sessions that build skills and create giggles.
Below, you will find lyrics, videos, and instructions for 35 classic rhymes and action songs to get you moving.
Why Nursery Rhymes Matter for Development
Nursery rhymes aren’t just catchy tunes. They hold serious developmental magic. Parents, grandparents, and teachers use these songs because they work wonders for growing brains.
Here is why you should add them to your daily routine:
- Language skills explode: Rhymes teach vocabulary, rhythm, and sentence structure. The repetition encourages kids to speak up and try new words.
- Bodies get stronger: Action songs are mini-workouts. They build fine motor skills (finger movement) and gross motor skills (jumping and dancing).
- Brains get a boost: These songs usually tell a short story with a beginning, middle, and end. This helps children process information, improves memory, and teaches concepts like counting or colors.
- Social bonds deepen: Singing face-to-face creates a powerful connection. It fosters physical touch through clapping or tickling and helps children bond with peers in group settings.
- Emotions become manageable: Songs explore happy, sad, or silly feelings in a safe way. They can turn a grumpy mood around or soothe a crying baby.
20 Best Nursery Rhymes With Actions for Toddlers
There are hundreds of rhymes out there, but these 20 are the absolute gold standard. They are perfect for babies, toddlers, and kindergarteners who are learning to coordinate their movements.
1. Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
This is the ultimate classic. It is based on a 19th-century poem by Jane Taylor and sets a calm tone. It is perfect for babies because the rhythm is soothing.
The Actions
Hold your hands up and open and close your fingers like flashing stars. When you sing “up above the world so high,” point to the sky. Make a diamond shape with your fingers for the diamond line.
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 high-energy song teaches body awareness. It works great in groups and helps children identify anatomy while moving quickly.
The Actions
Use both hands to touch the body parts as you sing them. Start slow, then speed up with each verse to make it a fun challenge.
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 rhyme tells a dramatic story of perseverance. Kids love the “scary” element of the spider and the relief when the sun comes out. It is excellent for fine motor finger skills.
The Actions
Touch your thumb to the opposite index finger and climb them up for the spider. Wiggle your fingers down like falling rain. Sweep your arms out to make a big sun.
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? (Frère Jacques)
Sung to the tune of Frère Jacques, this lullaby is great for quiet time or gently waking a child up.
The Actions
Pretend to sleep with hands under your cheek. Then, mime pulling a bell rope when the “morning bells” ring.
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 is arguably the most popular action song for vehicle-loving kids. It is repetitive, which makes it easy to learn, and you can invent new verses endlessly.
The Actions
Roll your arms for the wheels. Swish your hands back and forth for wipers. Mime honking a horn. Move your hand like a mouth opening and closing for the doors.
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 townThe horn on the bus goes beep, beep, beep…
The doors on the bus go open and shut…
The wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish…
The driver on the bus says, ‘move on back’…
The people on the bus go up and down…
The baby on the bus goes ‘waa waa waa’…
The Mommy on the bus says, ‘shh, shh, shh’…
The Daddy on the bus says I Love you…
6. Five Little Monkeys
Humor meets counting in this classic. It teaches subtraction in a way that makes kids laugh.
The Actions
Hold up five fingers. Bounce your hand up and down for “jumping.” Tap your head when a monkey falls. Wag your finger sternly for the doctor’s lines.
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 counting down: four, three, two, one).
7. This Little Piggy
This is the perfect bonding rhyme for infants during a diaper change or bath time. It usually ends in tickles, which babies love.
The Actions
Start with the big toe and wiggle each toe individually for each line. On the final “wee, wee, wee,” run your fingers up your child’s legs and tickle their tummy.
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
This is a clapping game that helps with rhythm and coordination. It gets faster and more confusing as you go, which is part of the fun.
The Actions
Ideally, clap hands with a partner. If you are solo, salute for “sailor,” make waves with hands for “sea,” and tap your knees for “knee.”
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
(Repeat verses replacing “sea” with “chop” and “knee”).
9. Hickory Dickory Dock
This rhyme is a fantastic introduction to telling time and numbers.
The Actions
Swing your arm like a pendulum (tick-tock). Run your fingers up your arm like a mouse. Clap once for “one,” twice for “two,” and so on. Run fingers down when the mouse runs down.
Lyrics
Hickory dickory dock.
The mouse ran up the clock.
The clock struck 1.
The mouse ran down
Hickory dickory dock.
(Repeat for 2, 3, and 4).
10. Sleeping Bunnies
This is a parent favorite because it encourages kids to lie down and be still (at least for a moment) before expending energy. It helps toddlers practice self-regulation.
The Actions
Curl up on the floor and pretend to sleep during the slow singing. When the tempo changes to “Wake up!”, jump up and hop around like a bunny.
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 song is universally loved. It teaches emotional recognition (“happy”) and connects it to physical expression.
The Actions
Follow the lyrics: clap hands, stomp feet, shout “hooray,” or pat your head. The final verse combines all three movements.
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)(Verses continue: stomp your feet, shout “Hooray!”, do all three).
12. I’m a Little Teapot
Short, stout, and iconic. This song helps children understand body positioning and balance.
The Actions
Place one hand on your hip (handle) and stick the other arm out crooked (spout). Bend sideways to “pour” when you get steamed up.
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
This story-song is a bit mischievous. It involves a naughty bunny, a fairy, and some magic consequences.
The Actions
Make bunny ears with fingers. Make a “scooping” motion for picking up field mice. Wag a finger for the Good Fairy.
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.
(The fairy gives chances until turning him into a goon).
14. Old MacDonald Had a Farm
A staple of early childhood. This song teaches animal names and the sounds they make.
The Actions
There are no strict rules here, but acting out the animals is best. Flap wings for ducks, stomp for cows, or roll in mud for pigs.
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.
15. Open Shut Them
This is a fantastic nursery rhyme for teaching opposites (open/shut, big/small, fast/slow). It captures the attention of even the youngest babies.
The Actions
Open hands wide, then close them tight into fists. For “creep them,” walk your fingers up your baby’s chest to their chin, but do not let your fingers go inside their mouth!
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.
(Verses continue: Big and small, Please/No Thank You, Fast/Slow, Peek-a-boo).
16. The Hokey Pokey
Known as the “Hokey Cokey” in the UK, this is a dance floor essential. It teaches left vs. right and body parts.
The Actions
Stand in a circle. Put the specific limb (right foot, left hand, etc.) into the circle, shake it, and turn your whole body around.
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!
(Repeat with left foot, right hand, left hand, head, whole self).
17. Pat-a-Cake
This is the first clapping game most humans ever learn. It helps babies develop rhythm and anticipation.
The Actions
Clap hands together. Mimic “rolling” dough and “patting” it flat. Draw a letter “B” in the air (or your child’s initial).
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.
Top Learning Tip
Switch out the letter “B” for the first letter of your child’s name to personalize the rhyme.
18. Five Little Ducks
This song is slightly sad (the ducks disappear!), but they always come back. It is a brilliant way to teach subtraction from five down to zero.
The Actions
Hold up five fingers. Wiggle them away for “far away.” Make a quacking motion with your hand for Mother Duck. Show four fingers, then three, etc.
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.
(Repeat counting down until “Sad mother duck” calls them all back).
19. Wind the Bobbin Up
A massive hit in the UK, this song is great for teaching directions (ceiling, floor, window, door).
The Actions
Roll hands over each other (winding). Pull hands apart (pull). Clap. Point to the specific objects in the room as they are named.
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 Around the Rosie
Historically associated with the plague, modern kids just know this as the “falling down” song. It encourages group play.
The Actions
Hold hands in a circle and walk around. On “ashes” (or a-tishoo), sneeze. On “all fall down,” collapse to the ground safely.
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
These 15 songs are slightly more complex and perfect for kids aged 18 months to 5 years. They involve more specific dance moves and longer sequences.
1. Shake Our Sillies Out
This is the ultimate reset button for a grumpy or hyperactive child. It acknowledges the energy and helps release it.
The Actions
Shake your whole body. Nod your head. Clap your hands. Jump up and down. Finally, stretch and yawn to calm down.
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.
(Repeat with: Nod our noddies out, Clap our crazies out, Jump our jiggles out, Yawn our sleepies out).
2. I Had a Little Turtle
Tiny Tim is a chaotic turtle, and preschoolers love him. This hand-play rhyme is great for bath time or circle time.
The Actions
Make a fist with the thumb sticking out (turtle). Wiggle the thumb. Make a “pop” sound by clapping hands together or popping a finger from your cheek.
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… POP!
3. Five Green and Speckled Frogs
This song introduces descriptive words like “speckled” and “delicious.” It is another subtraction song that is great for math skills.
The Actions
Crouch down like frogs or use five fingers on a log (your other arm). “Jump” one finger into the pool. Rub your tummy for “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.
(Repeat counting down).
4. Five Little Peas
This is a quieter fingerplay song. It helps children practice building tension and release.
The Actions
Clench a fist (the pod). Slowly unfurl fingers as the peas grow. Clap loudly on “POP.”
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!
5. Tooty-Ta
The Tooty-Ta is a cumulative dance song. By the end, you are in a ridiculous position, which guarantees laughter.
The Actions
Add one motion per verse and keep doing it: Thumbs up, elbows back, feet apart, knees together, bottoms up, tongue out, eyes shut, turn around.
Lyrics
A Tooty Ta, A Tooty Ta, A Tooty Ta Ta
Thumbs up!
(Repeat chorus adding: Elbows back, Feet apart, Knees together, Bottoms up, Tongue out, Eyes shut, Turn around).
6. Up and Down
This pop-style song prepares kids for more complex dances like the Cha Cha Slide. It focuses on spatial awareness.
The Actions
Reach high, crouch low, and shake your body. Follow the specific lyrics for each movement.
Lyrics
Put your hands up in the air
What’s up in the air?
(Chorus: Up up up up up, Down down down down down).
7. One Little Finger
This is excellent for teaching body parts to younger preschoolers (2-3 years old). It is simple, slow, and repetitive.
The Actions
Wiggle one finger. Point it up and down. Touch the specific body part mentioned (head, nose, chin, arm, leg, foot).
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!
(Repeat for nose, chin, arm, leg, foot).
8. Autumn Leaves Are Falling Down
Use this song seasonally to teach about nature and chores (raking).
The Actions
Wiggle fingers downward like falling rain/leaves. Mime raking with a big stick. Jump up and down for “jumping in the leaves.”
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…
We are jumping in the leaves…
9. Super Simple Disco
This song breaks down dance moves into manageable chunks. It encourages listening skills and coordination.
The Actions
Point fingers up and down. Roll hands (wheels). Point thumbs back. Finally, combine all moves into a sequence.
Lyrics
Hey everybody… Let’s dance!
Point up. Point down.
Roll your hands.
Point your thumbs back.
(Sequence combines all moves).
10. Me!
A self-affirmation song that identifies body parts. It moves from the face down to the toes.
The Actions
Point to the body parts as you sing them. Jump, wiggle, and point during the chorus.
Lyrics
This is my head. These are my eyes.
This is my nose. These are my ears.
(Chorus: Sing along with me, Jump along with me).
(Continues to neck, chest, stomach, legs, knees, feet).
11. The Jellyfish
This is a cumulative song similar to Tooty-Ta but with an ocean theme.
The Actions
Start with arms up. Stick wrists together. Glue elbows together. Knock knees together. Wiggle like a jellyfish.
Lyrics
Repeat after me.
Arms up.
Wrists together.
The jellyfish, the jellyfish, the jellyfish, the jellyfish.
(Add: Elbows together, Knees together, Feet together, Head back).
12. Brain Break
Teachers love this one. It is designed to interrupt a sedentary period and get blood flowing to the brain.
The Actions
Clap, stretch high, touch toes, run in place, march, and wave hands.
Lyrics
Clap! Clap!
Now it’s time for a brain break.
Stretch up high! Reach for the sky!
Bend down low! Touch your toes!
Run! Run!
March! March!
13. The Goldfish (Let’s Go Swimming)
This song by The Laurie Berkner Band is a modern classic. It has a “gotcha” moment where the fish do human things (brushing teeth, riding bikes) and then remember they are fish.
The Actions
Make swimming motions. Pretend to sleep. Pretend to shower, ride a bike, and brush teeth. Then wag a finger and say, “Wait a minute!”
Lyrics
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.
(Verses: Taking a shower, Riding bicycles, Brushing teeth).
14. Get Yo Body Movin’
A hip-hop style track that feels more “grown-up” for kids who think they are too cool for nursery rhymes.
The Actions
Dip down low. Push arms forward. Bounce knees. Pull arms back.
Lyrics
Get get yo body body mo mo moving
Everybody here let me see you dip
Let me see you push it
Let me see you bounce
Let me see you pull it.
15. Jiggle Your Scarf
This is a sensory song. If you don’t have a dance scarf, use a napkin, a tissue, or a small towel.
The Actions
Shake the scarf. Turn around. Touch the ground. Freeze when the music stops.
Lyrics
Jiggle your scarf
Jiggle, jiggle, jiggle
Jiggle and turn around
Jiggle and touch the ground
Jiggle, jiggle, jiggle, and FREEZE!
Tips for Singing Nursery Rhymes
You don’t need a Broadway voice to make this work. Your child loves your voice simply because it is yours. Here is how to make the most of your singing sessions:
- Be expressive: Ham it up! Use big facial expressions and change your volume. Whisper the quiet parts and shout the loud parts.
- Repeat, repeat, repeat: Toddlers love predictability. Singing the same song 20 times helps them master the language and feel confident.
- Build a routine: Use specific songs for transitions. Sing a “cleanup song” when tidying toys or a lullaby before naps. It helps children understand what is coming next.
- Get on their level: Sit on the floor so you are face-to-face. Eye contact is key for engagement and bonding.
- Use props: If the actions are getting stale, bring in puppets, stuffed animals, or scarves to act out the lyrics.
- Engage the whole body: Don’t just sit there. Stand up, spin around, and jump. It tires them out (which helps them sleep later!).
FAQs
Why are nursery rhymes good for development?
Nursery rhymes aid development by improving memory, vocabulary, and phonemic awareness. The rhythm helps children understand the structure of language, while action songs develop fine and gross motor skills.
At what age should I start singing nursery rhymes?
You can start singing to your baby from birth (or even while pregnant!). Newborns find rhythmic voices soothing. By 6, 12 months, babies may start mimicking hand gestures like clapping.
What if I don’t know the actions to a song?
There are no strict rules! You can make up your own actions or ask your child to invent some. As long as you are moving and having fun, your child will reap the benefits.
