Preschool Circle Time Rhymes (3-5 Years)
Ages 3-5 years
By three to five, children can follow several steps, take turns, wait for a cue and count along, which opens up a whole new kind of rhyme: the group game. Circle time songs bring a class or a playgroup together, mixing movement, counting and call-and-response so that every child has something to do and something to listen for.
These rhymes are the backbone of circle time for good reason. Counting songs like Five Little Monkeys and Ten Green Bottles pair numbers with big movements, call-and-response chants such as Going on a Bear Hunt sharpen listening, and singing games like The Farmer in the Dell give children a turn in the spotlight while the rest wait and cheer.
For a group, set the circle first, keep the actions consistent, and let confident children lead a verse. These songs build counting, sequencing, listening and cooperation, all while a room full of preschoolers thinks it is simply playing.
The Hokey Cokey
The whole circle puts a foot in and out and turns around together, a favourite group action.
Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush
Circle round holding hands, then mime the daily tasks in each verse.
The Farmer in the Dell
A circle game where children take turns being chosen, building patience and turn-taking.
Here We Go Looby Loo
In and out of the circle with a different action each verse, good for listening and moving on cue.
London Bridge Is Falling Down
Two children make an arch and "catch" the others, a group game with a clear rhythm.
Oats, Peas, Beans and Barley Grow
A circle-and-mime singing game that acts out sowing and growing.
Skip to My Lou
A lively partner-swapping circle song for a bigger group.
Did You Ever See a Lassie?
Call-and-response where one child leads an action and the group copies.
Going on a Bear Hunt
A classic call-and-response chant; children echo each line and join the actions.
Five Little Monkeys
Count down from five with jumping and finger actions, early subtraction in disguise.
Five Little Speckled Frogs
Count down as each frog jumps in, pairing numbers with a big movement.
Ten Green Bottles
Count backwards from ten together, holding up fingers as the bottles fall.
This Old Man
Count up to ten with a knee-slapping rhythm the whole group can keep.
One, Two, Buckle My Shoe
A steady counting chant to clap along to while learning the number order.
The Ants Go Marching
March in a line and count up as the ants go by, moving and counting at once.
Where to Go Next
- Nursery Rhymes for Babies (0-12 Months): gentle lullabies and touch games for the youngest.
- Nursery Rhymes for Toddlers (1-2 Years): clapping and action songs for one and two year olds.
- Counting Rhymes & Number Songs: more number songs for early maths.
- Action Rhymes & Movement Songs: more movement and group action songs.