Mother Goose Time

Nursery rhymes, songs, and fi ngerplays for caregivers of young children

Babies and Early Literacy Babies learn about language right from birth. Reading, singing, and using nursery rhymes and language play throughout the day teaches children about the sounds of our language.All children need to have the six pre-literacy skills when they begin school (see below).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 fi nd 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.

Hey Diddle DiddleHey diddle diddle The cat and the fi ddleThe cow jumped over the moonThe little dog laughedTo see such a sightAnd the dish ran away with the spoon

Little Miss MuffetLittle Miss MuffetSat on her tuffetEating her curds and wheyAlong came a spider And sat down beside herAnd frightened Miss Muffet away

Hickory Dickory DockHickory dickory dockThe mouse ran up the clockThe clock struck oneThe mouse ran down Hickory dickory dock

Little Boy BlueLittle boy blue, Come, blow your horn.The sheep’s in the meadow, The cow’s in the corn.Where’s the little boyWho looks after the sheep?He’s under the haystackFast asleep.

Jack and JillJack and Jill went up the hillTo fetch a pail of waterJack fell down and broke his crownAnd Jill came tumbling after

Nursery Rhymes

Rub-a-Dub-DubRub-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 ShoeOne, 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 GooseOld Mother Goose, When she wanted to wanderWould ride through the air On a very fi ne gander.

Little Bo-PeepLittle Bo-Peep has lost her sheep, And can’t tell where to fi nd them.Leave them alone, And they’ll come home, Wagging their tails behind them.

Humpty DumptyHumpty Dumpty sat on a wall;Humpty dumpty had a great fall!All the king’s horsesAnd all the king’s menCouldn’t put Humpty together again.

Rock-a-Bye, BabyRock-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 HotPease porridge hot, Pease porridge cold, Pease porridge in the potNine days old.Some like it hot, Some like it cold, Some like it in the pot, Nine days old.

Mary, MaryMary, Mary, quite contraryHow does your garden grow?With silver bells and cockle shellsAnd pretty maids all in a row

Baa, Baa Black SheepBaa, 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.

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Hello and Goodbye Rhymes

Hello, EverybodyHello, everybody (Wave to everyone)And how are you? (Shrug shoulders)How are you? (Shrug shoulders)Hello, everybody (Wave to everyone)And how are you? (Shrug shoulders)How are you today? (Shrug shoulders)

Peek-a-BooPeek-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)

Hello Howare you?

Howare you today?

SkinnamarinkSkinnamarinky 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,(same action as above)Skinnamarinky doo,(same action as above)I…love…you.(same action as above)

My Hands Say Thank YouMy 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.(Tap feet three times)I roll my hands around(Roll hands around)And then I say “Goodbye!”(Wave)

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HelloHell-oo, Hell-oo, Hello and how are you?I’m fi ne... I’m fi neAnd 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 leavingWe are leavingUntil next weekUntil next weekIt was very nice to see you It was very nice to see youHave a nice dayHave a nice day

Fingerplays

The Itsy Bitsy SpiderThe itsy bitsy spider climbed up the water spout.(Opposite thumbs and pointer fi nger climb up)Down came the rain and washed the spider out.(Flutter fi ngers 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 fi nger climb up)

Five Fat PeasFive fat peas in a pea pod pressed.(Hold fi st up)One grew, two grew, and so did all the rest.(Bring up each fi nger 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-CakePat-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 ThemOpen, 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 fi ngers while creep them up to chin)Right up to your chin.(Put fi ngers 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 fl utter to the sky.(“Flutter” fi ngers up high)Falling, falling, almost to the ground.(Bring “fl uttering” fi ngers 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 PlayFive little ducks went out to play.(Hold up 5 fi ngers)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 fi ngers)(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 fi ngers)

Five Green and Speckled FrogsFive green and speckled frogs(Hold up 5 fi ngers and wag them back and forth)Sitting on a speckled logEating 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 fi ngers 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 BedFive little monkeys jumping on the bed(Hold up 5 fi ngers)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 fi nger)(Repeat until no monkeys)

Five Little Monkeys Swinging in the TreeFive little monkeys, swinging in a tree.(Hold up 5 fi ngers on right hand. Swing rhythmically)Teasing Mr. Crocodile, “You can’t catch me.”(Wave fi ngers 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 BeehiveHere is the beehive.(Hold up fi st)But where are the bees?(Shrug shoulders)Hiding inside, where nobody sees.(Tap fi st with other hand)Watch them come out of the hive.One…two…three…four…fi ve.(Extend fi ngers one at a time and count)Bzzzzzzzz….(With all fi ngers 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, FumFe, fi , fo, fum(Clap)See my fi ngers?(Wag fi ngers)See my thumbs?(Wag thumbs)Fe, fi , fo, fum(Clap)Goodbye fi ngers,(Put one hand behind back)Goodbye thumbs.(Put other hand behind back)

Two Little BlackbirdsTwo 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 HandsRoll, 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.

WaveWave one handWave the otherWave both handsNow wave to each other!(Do motions as rhyme suggests)

Grandma’s GlassesThese are Grandma’s glasses(Make circle with thumb and index fi nger 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 PiggyThis 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 fi ngers, ending with the pinkie)

The Wheels on the BusThe wheels on the bus go round and round(Turn hands around each other)Round and round, round and roundThe wheels on the bus go round and roundAll 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 fi sts to eyes as if crying)The mothers on the bus go “Shh, shh, shh…”(Put index fi nger to mouth)The fathers on the bus go “I love you…”(Hug self or baby)

Action RhymesIf You’re Happy And You Know ItIf 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 itClap your hands.(Clap twice)(Repeat with stomp your feet, shout hurray, do all three)

Down by the StationDown by the station, early in the morning,(Walk around room shuffl ing feet)See the little puffer-bellies all in a row;(Walk around room shuffl ing feet)See the station master pull the little handle(Pull “handle” in air and shuffl e along)Chug, chug, toot, toot, off we go!(Pull “handle” in air and shuffl e along)

Grand Old Duke of YorkOh, 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 ToesHead, 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 RosieRing 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 TeapotI’m a little teapot(Bend knees in rhythm)Short and stoutHere 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 upHear me shout.Just tip me over and pour me out!(Lean over sideways on “spout” side)

Teddy Bear, Teddy BearTeddy 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 fi nger)

If You’re Wearing Red TodayIf 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)

PunchinelloWhat 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, UpHere 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 RhymesFather and Mother and Uncle JohnFather 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 DumplingDiddle, 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 HorseRickety, 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 LegLeg 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 PoltPitty, 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 WagonBumping 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 SlowlySlowly, very slowly, up the garden rail, (walk fi ngers up baby’s arm)Slowly, very slowly, creep the little snail.(walk fi ngers 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 GardenRound and round the garden, (circle babies belly)Goes the teddy bear.One step, two step, (walk fi ngers up babies arm)Tickle ‘em under there.(tickle under chin)

Big ABig 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 TrainThis little train ran up the track, (walk fi ngers up baby’s arm)Toot, toot, toot.This little train ran up the track, (walk fi ngers up baby’s other arm)And this little train came toot-tooting back.(walk fi ngers down baby’s arm)Toot, toot, toot.

Ride a Cock HorseRide a cock horse(bounce baby on lap)To Banbury Cross, To see a fi ne ladyUpon a white horse.With rings on her fi ngers, (touch baby’s fi ngers)And bells on her toes, (touch baby’s toes)She shall have music, (bounce baby on lap)Wherever she goes

Trot, Trot to LondonTrot, trot to London.(bounce baby on knees)Trot, trot to Dover.Look out baby,Or you’ll fall over.(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 BoatRow, row, row your boat,(bounce baby on lap)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.

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Reading with young children

For infants from birth to 18 monthsChoose 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 yearsChoose 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 fl aps to lift up encourage involvement for busy hands.

How to share books with babies and toddlers:Pick the best time.1. The best time to share books is when both you and baby are in a good mood.Show baby the book.2. Point to the pictures and talk about them naturally and cheerfully.Talk and have fun throughout storytime.3. Baby loves the sound of your voice, and being touched and loved while you read.Watch what baby does4. . Let your baby play with the book and stop if he or she gets upset.Share a book every day.5. Reading for just a few minutes a day teaches baby about language, and helps you and baby bond.

Visit your nearest library to learn more about early literacy.

BOOKMOBILE (804) 290-9350DUMBARTON (804) 290-94006800 Staples Mill Rd.Henrico, VA 23228-4930 M–TH: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. F & SA: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

FAIRFIELD (804) 290-93001001 N. Laburnum Ave.Henrico, VA 23223-2705 M–TH: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. F & SA: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

GAYTON (804) 290-960010600 Gayton Rd.Henrico, VA 23238-4117

M–W: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. TH: 1:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. F & SA: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

GLEN ALLEN (804) 290-950010501 Staples Mill Rd.Glen Allen, VA 23060-3242

M–W: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. TH: 1:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. F & SA: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

MUNICIPAL GOV’T. & LAW LIBRARY (804) 501-47804301 E. Parham Rd.Henrico, VA 23228

M–F: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

NORTH PARK (804) 290-97008508 Franconia Rd.Henrico, VA 23227-1213

M–W: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. TH: 1:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. F & SA: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

SANDSTON (804) 290-990023 E. Williamsburg Rd.Sandston, VA 23150-2011

M–W: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. TH: 1:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. F & SA: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

TUCKAHOE (804) 290-91001901 Starling Dr. Henrico, VA 23229-4607

M–TH: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. F & SA: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

TWIN HICKORY (804) 290-92005001 Twin Hickory Rd.Glen Allen, VA 23059-2509

M–TH: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. F & SA: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

VARINA (804) 290-98002001 Library Rd.Henrico, VA 23231-5826

M–W: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. TH: 1:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. F & SA: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Library Locations & Hours

www.henricolibrary.org

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Henrico County Public Library