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Kids adore this cheerful counting rhyme because it turns numbers into a fun, rhythmic game they can easily follow. With its bouncy pattern and playful actions, little learners stay engaged while building early number recognition and sequencing skills. Parents and teachers also love how it encourages memory, coordination, and repetition, making it a reliable favourite during early learning sessions.
One, Two, Buckle My Shoe Song Lyrics
Here are the One, Two, Buckle My Shoe words that children love chanting as they learn to count.
One, two,
Buckle my shoe;
Three, four,
Knock at the door;
Five, six,
Pick up sticks;
Seven, eight,
Lay them straight;
Nine, ten,
A big fat hen;
Eleven, twelve,
Dig and delve;
Thirteen, fourteen,
Maids a-courting;
Fifteen, sixteen,
Maids in the kitchen;
Seventeen, eighteen,
Maids a-waiting;
Nineteen, twenty,
My plate’s empty.
Other Versions of the One, Two, Buckle My Shoe Song
Many traditional versions of this rhyme exist, each adding a unique twist while keeping the counting pattern intact. Some versions use shorter endings, while others expand the rhyme with additional lines for higher numbers.
Common alternate versions include:
- Ending at “Nine, ten, a big fat hen” without the extended verses.
- Versions where “Pick up sticks” becomes “Pick up bricks.”
- Regional adaptations that change “maids” to “girls” or “workers” depending on cultural context.
Gestures – How to Teach One, Two, Buckle My Shoe to Kids
Simple actions make this rhyme even more enjoyable and help kids remember the sequence with ease. Use these playful movements to encourage full-body engagement while learning.
- One, two: Pretend to buckle a shoe with both hands.
- Three, four: Knock gently in the air as if knocking on a door.
- Five, six: Make a scooping motion to “pick up sticks.”
- Seven, eight: Stretch arms forward and “lay them straight.”
- Nine, ten: Form a round shape with arms like a plump hen.
- Eleven to twenty: Act out digging, waving, or waiting based on each line.
History & Quick Facts
“One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” is an old English nursery rhyme believed to date back to the late 18th century. It first appeared in print around 1805 in early collections of children’s verse. Like many traditional rhymes, its exact author is unknown, as it evolved from oral storytelling and playful counting songs passed down through generations. Over time, the rhyme gained popularity in homes and classrooms because of its simple structure, rhythmic flow, and usefulness in teaching numbers to young children.
Interesting Facts
- The rhyme is over 200 years old, making it one of the earliest counting rhymes still used today.
- It has been translated into many languages, helping children across cultures learn numbers rhythmically.
- The tune is often adapted, allowing educators to sing it slowly for toddlers or more energetically for older kids.
- Some picture books illustrate each number pair, turning the rhyme into a visual learning tool.
- Shortened versions are commonly used in preschools for quick counting activities.
- The rhyme appears frequently in children’s shows, music compilations, and early learning apps.
Suitable Age & Learnings
This rhyme is ideal for toddlers and preschoolers, typically ages 1 to 5 years, who are beginning to recognise numbers and follow patterns. The playful sequence helps strengthen early cognitive skills in a fun, memorable way.
Key learnings include:
- Number recognition from 1 to 20, as children hear and repeat the numbers in order throughout the rhyme.
- Understanding sequencing and counting rhythmically, because the rhyme’s steady beat helps kids grasp how numbers follow one another.
- Building memory through repeated number pairs, allowing little learners to remember patterns and anticipate the next lines.
- Development of fine and gross motor skills through gestures, since acting out each line encourages coordinated hand and body movements.
- Vocabulary expansion with simple everyday words, helping children learn new terms in a fun and familiar context.
- Early exposure to rhyming patterns and sound play, which strengthens phonics awareness and prepares kids for early reading skills.
FAQs
1. What is the rhyming scheme of One, Two, Buckle My Shoe?
The rhyme follows a simple AABB rhyming pattern, where each pair of lines ends with rhyming sounds, making it easy for children to remember.
2. Is this rhyme good for teaching early numeracy?
Yes, it introduces numbers in a rhythmic, repetitive format that helps toddlers recognise and recall number sequences.
“One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” remains a timeless favourite because it blends counting, rhythm, and play into one engaging rhyme. Whether sung, acted out, or read aloud, it supports early learning in a joyful and memorable way. Parents and teachers can use it to build strong foundational skills while keeping children entertained. With its simplicity and charm, this classic rhyme continues to inspire young learners everywhere.
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