This week is our Nursery Rhyme theme at Little Owletts but why are they so important?
Nursery rhymes may seem simple but they’re packed with benefits that help little ones grow, learn and connect with the world.
Fun fact – if a child can sing 8 nursery rhymes by heart at the age of 4, they are usually in the top percentage of readers by age 8 ✨
One thing for certain is – these catchy tunes will be etched in your brain for life and are definitely worth repeating again and again and again with little ones!
1. They Build Early Language Skills
Nursery rhymes introduce rhythm, repetition, and new sounds – all things that help babies and toddlers learn how language works.
- The repeated patterns make it easier for children to remember new vocabulary
- Rhymes help little ears hear the differences between sounds, which supports early reading skills later on
2. They Boost Memory and Cognitive Development
The predictable structure of rhymes encourages children to memorise phrases and sequences. Over time, children start filling in missing words, finishing lines and anticipating what comes next. This strengthens:
- Memory
- Listening skills
- Attention span
3. They Improve Motor Skills
Many nursery rhymes come with actions – clapping, tapping, wiggling fingers or moving around. These movements all help with:
- Fine motor skills (like little fingers wiggling in “Incy Wincy Spider”)
- Gross motor skills (like jumping in “Five Little Monkeys”)
4. They Nurture Emotional Connection
Singing rhymes together creates warm, nurturing moments. The sound of a caregiver’s voice is comforting and the playfulness helps build trust and emotional security. It’s a simple way to bond every day and release a whole heap of oxytocin!
5. They Spark Imagination and Creativity
From dancing sheep to twinkling stars, nursery rhymes encourage children to imagine worlds beyond their own. This playful creativity is an early stepping stone to storytelling and pretend play.
6. They Introduce Rhythm and Music
Music is powerful for brain development. Nursery rhymes expose children to:
- Beat
- Melody
- Rhythm
- Pitch
These musical elements support both language learning and future musical skills.
So with this in mind, which nursery rhymes will you be singing today?