Nursery rhymes have been an integral part of childhood for generations, and are short, catchy songs and rhymes that are easy for children to learn and remember. Nursery rhymes are not only entertainment and music for your little one but also helps them in learning language, social skills, and moral values. Over the years, many nursery rhymes have become popular, but here are the top 10 most famous nursery rhymes that are still loved by children around the world.
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Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
“Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” is one of the most popular nursery rhymes, and has been a classic since it was first published in 1806. The rhyme is about a star that twinkles in the night sky, and children often sing it to soothe themselves to sleep. The simple melody and easily remembered lyrics make it a favourite among parents and children.
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Mary Had A Little Lamb
Another popular nursery rhyme dating back to the 19th century is “Mary Had A Little Lamb”, which tells the story of a young girl named Mary who takes her pet lamb to school with her. The rhyme is often used to teach children about the importance of treating animals with kindness and compassion.
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Humpty Dumpty
“Humpty Dumpty” is a classic nursery rhyme that has been around for over two centuries. The rhyme tells the story of an egg shaped character named Humpty Dumpty, who falls off a wall and breaks into pieces. The rhyme has been interpreted in many ways, with some suggesting that it represents the downfall of King Charles I during the English Civil War.
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Baa Baa Black Sheep
Another popular nursery rhyme is “Baa Baa Black Sheep”; a story of a black sheep that has three bags of wool, which it gives to the master, the dame, and the little boy who lives down the lane, which dates back to the 18th century. The rhyme is often used to teach children about sharing and giving.
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Jack and Jill
“Jack and Jill” is a nursery rhyme that tells the story of two children, Jack and Jill, who went up a hill to fetch a bucket of water. The rhyme has been around for centuries and is often used to teach children about the consequences of taking risks and being careful.
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Itsy Bitsy Spider
“The Itsy Bitsy Spider” is a rhyme that tells the story of a spider that climbs up a water spout but gets washed down by the rain. The rhyme is often accompanied by hand motions that children can imitate, making it a favourite among young children.
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London Bridge Is Falling Down
Often used to teach children about the importance of teamwork and problem-solving, “London Bridge Is Falling Down” is a nursery rhyme dating back to the 17th century, and tells the story of London Bridge, which has fallen down and is being rebuilt using different materials.
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Hickory Dickory Dock
Nursery rhymes can also be used to introduce children to academic subjects, with “Hickory Dickory Dock”, a story about a mouse that runs up and down a clock often being used to teach children about time and counting.
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Hey Diddle Diddle
“Hey Diddle Diddle” is a rhyme that tells of a cat playing a fiddle, a cow jumping over the moon, and a dish running away with a spoon, and has been around for centuries. The silly, lighthearted lyrics are often used to teach children about the importance of imagination and creativity.
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Ring a Ring O’Roses
“Ring a Ring O’Roses” is a nursery rhyme that dates back to the 19th century, and tells the story of a group of children who hold hands and dance in a circle while singing “ring a ring o’roses, a pocket full of posies, a tissue, a tissue, we all fall down”. The rhyme is often associated with the Black Death, but this is disputed. Regardless of its origin, the rhyme is a favourite among children who enjoy physical activity and spinning around in a circle.