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This Old Man is a lively and repetitive counting rhyme that children instantly enjoy. It introduces playful actions, rhythms, and numbers in a fun way that makes learning feel natural. Kids love the sing-along pattern, and parents appreciate how the rhyme strengthens early math skills and language development. With its cheerful tune and easy flow, it becomes a favorite during circle time or at home.
This Old Man Song Lyrics
This cheerful counting rhyme uses playful This Old Man words to help children learn numbers through rhythm and repetition.
This old man, he played one,
He played knick-knack on my thumb;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give a dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played two,
He played knick-knack on my shoe;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give a dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played three,
He played knick-knack on my knee;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give a dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played four,
He played knick-knack on my door;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give a dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played five,
He played knick-knack on my hive;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give a dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played six,
He played knick-knack on my sticks;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give a dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played seven,
He played knick-knack up in heaven;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give a dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played eight,
He played knick-knack on my gate;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give a dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played nine,
He played knick-knack on my spine;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give a dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played ten,
He played knick-knack once again;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give a dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
Other Versions of the This Old Man Song
Below are some fun alternate versions of the “This Old Man” rhyme that add variety with new themes, actions, and playful twists.
1. Shortened Toddler Version (1–3 only)
This old man, he played one,
He played knick-knack on my thumb;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give a dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
He played two upon my shoe,
Then he tapped upon my knee for three—
A tiny rhyme for little ones, as simple as can be.
2. Extended Counting Version (Up to 12)
This old man, he played ten,
He played knick-knack on my shin;
Then eleven up to heaven,
Ringing like a cheery bell;
Twelve he played upon a shelf,
A playful verse with joy to tell,
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
This old man counted very well.
3. Animal-Themed Version
This old man, he played one,
He played knick-knack with a bun;
Two he played with a cow that said “moo,”
Three with a buzzing bumblebee too;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give a dog a bone,
This old man sang with animals roaming round his home.
4. Action & Movement Version
This old man, he played one,
He played knick-knack as he ran;
Two he tapped while clapping loud,
Three he jumped—so high and proud;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
And steps that loved to roam,
This old man danced his rhyme all the way back home.
5. Body-Parts-Only Version
This old man, he played one,
He played knick-knack on my thumb;
Two on shoe and three on knee,
Four on chin so playfully;
Five on spine and six on shin,
Each rhyme tapping skin to skin,
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
This old man touched each part again.
Gestures – How to Teach This Old Man to Kids
Start by singing slowly so children can follow the rhythm and actions easily. Encourage kids to repeat the gestures along with the counting words to build coordination and memory.
- Tap your thumb gently for “He played knick-knack on my thumb”: Use big, clear tapping motions so kids can copy.
- Point to your shoes for “He played knick-knack on my shoe”: Lift one foot slightly to show the movement.
- Pat your knee for “He played knick-knack on my knee”: Keep hands visible to guide children.
- Pretend to knock on a door for “He played knick-knack on my door”: Make a soft knocking gesture to match the line.
- Clap sticks or pretend to hold two sticks for the “six—sticks” line: Demonstrate slow, careful tapping.
- Pretend to roll your hands for “This old man came rolling home”: Use smooth, circular hand motions children can follow easily.
History & Quick Facts
This Old Man is believed to be a traditional English nursery rhyme that dates back to the 19th century. Its exact author is unknown, as it likely evolved through oral storytelling and folk music traditions. The rhyme first appeared in print in the early 1900s in collections of children’s folk songs. Over time, it became popular due to its catchy counting pattern and easy-to-sing melody, spreading across schools, homes, and music programs worldwide.
Interesting Facts
- The rhyme is part of traditional English folk heritage.
- It uses rhythm-based counting, making it great for early math learning.
- The tune is often used in children’s music classes to teach beat and timing.
- Many cultures have translated or adapted it into local languages.
- The phrase “knick-knack paddywhack” is a playful, nonsensical chant.
- Some modern versions extend the song up to twenty for advanced counting fun.
Suitable Age & Learnings
This rhyme is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers aged 2 to 6 years. With its repetitive and rhythmic structure, it supports early childhood development in a gentle and engaging way.
Children learn:
- Early counting skills.
- Body-part vocabulary.
- Rhythm and musical timing.
- Listening and memory skills.
- Action–word association.
- New words such as “knick-knack,” “paddywhack,” “rolling,” and more.
FAQs
1. What is the rhyming scheme of This Old Man?
The rhyme generally follows an AABBA pattern within each verse, using repeated lines to create rhythm and predictability.
2. Why does the rhyme use playful words like “knick-knack paddywhack”?
These fun, rhythmic phrases make the song catchy and help children enjoy the musical flow, even if the words are nonsensical.
This Old Man remains a beloved counting rhyme because of its cheerful rhythm and easy-to-follow verses. It encourages learning through movement, repetition, and music, making it ideal for both home and classroom use. Parents and teachers appreciate how naturally it introduces numbers and vocabulary. With its playful flow and engaging actions, this classic continues to delight children generation after generation.
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