The nursery rhyme Goose Goose Gander was originally published in London in Gammer Gurton’s Garland or The Nursery Parnassus in 1784. This early version didn’t have the final four lines, so was much more benign wording with no one being hurled down a flight of stairs! It appears that the modern Goosey Goosey Gander is …
A Tisket A Tasket is a children’s lullaby that was originally published in the US in 1879. However, it wasn’t until jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald recorded it in 1938 that it enjoyed widespread popularity and became a household favorite. The words “Tisket” and “Tasket” do not have any specific meaning and are just included in …
One, Two, Three, Four, Five Once I Caught a Fish Alive is a traditional nursery rhyme that is perfect for helping younger children learn to count. Other similar nursery rhymes include Ten in a Bed and Five Little Monkeys. The rhyme was first published in Mother Goose’s Melody in 1765 but the original version only …
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This Little Piggy is a famous nursery rhyme that’s used with children of all ages, including young babies. Although it’s a counting song, This Little Piggy is a fun tickling game that’s usually counted out on the fingers or toes. Small babies and younger children in particular enjoy the tactile nature of this rhyme! A …
The nursery rhyme Cobbler, Cobbler Mend My Shoe has been around for a long time but no one is clear about its origins. It’s been claimed by various sources in both the US and the Caribbean, but there are other suggestions that the rhyme originated in Europe because of the reference to a “crown”. The …
The infamous Roses Are Red rhyme is used for Valentine’s Day and declarations of love all around the world but was originally penned by Sir Edmund Spenser for his epic The Faerie Queen in 1590. The lyrics weren’t quite the same as the modern version used for Valentine’s Day, but part of a longer ode. …
Known alternately as Ding Dong Dell and Ding Dong Bell, this nursery rhyme is surprisingly old. The first documented use is in 1580 when it was recorded by an organist at Winchester Cathedral John Lant. It tells us the story of a cat that is drowning in a well after being placed there by a …
A traditional American nursery rhyme, Star Light Star Bright can be dated back to the 19th century. It grew in popularity all over the globe and arrived in Britain in the 20th Century, earning a top spot in many nurseries to help children as they went to sleep. It has retained its popularity in modern …
Originally known as Mistress Mary, Quite Contrary, this rhyme was first published in 1744 in the Pretty Song Book by Tommy Thumb. The fascinating thing about this rhyme is that there are so many different opinions on what it really means. No one is absolutely certain of who “Mary” was but most people believe it …
Often referred to as the Roll Over song, Ten in the Bed is a much-loved nursery rhyme but its origins are unknown. Children often enjoy acting out the narrative of the rhyme, but it’s best done on the floor to stop anyone from incurring an injury! The rhyme provides a solid introduction to counting, giving …
