Why should we sing nursery rhymes?

My son has requested songs at bedtime for as long as he has been able to talk. We usually sing at least 3 per night, after a story or two, and although I'm not a confident singer, I never argue.....and give it my all!

There are so many reasons why nursery rhymes should be part of a child's daily routines, lets have a look at some of them.

Why Singing Nursery Rhymes Is More Than Just Fun

As parents and caregivers, we all know how much little ones love nursery rhymes. From the catchy tunes to the silly words, they're a big hit with babies and toddlers. But did you know that singing nursery rhymes actually plays a big role in your child’s development?

Beyond the giggles and singalongs, nursery rhymes can help with everything from language and memory to social skills and creativity. Here’s why making time to sing together really matters, and how turning it into a fun, shared activity makes all the difference.

1. Helping To Learn Language (Without Them Even Realising!)

One of the biggest benefits of singing nursery rhymes is how it boosts language skills. The rhythm, repetition, and playful sounds help little ones get used to the patterns of speech and new vocabulary—without it ever feeling like learning.

And when we add funny voices or actions? Even better. It becomes a game, which kids love!

Why it helps:

• Phonological awareness: Rhymes help children hear the different sounds in words—great for early reading.

• Vocabulary building: Rhymes often use words they won’t hear every day, which helps expand their language.

• Clearer speech: Singing helps kids practise saying words and playing with sounds, which improves pronunciation.

As a Reception teacher and phonics leader for over 10 years, I’ve seen how early exposure to rhymes and songs helps children become more confident with speaking, listening, and understanding instructions. It is a vital part of early phonics and an

important precursor to children learning the sounds they need to be able to read.

The children were always excited to choose a rhyme from my "nursery rhyme bag"—it was one of our favourite moments of the day!

2. Boosting Memory and Thinking Skills

Ever noticed how kids love to repeat the same rhyme over and over? That repetition is actually helping to build their memory.

When we sing nursery rhymes together, especially with enthusiasm and movement, it grabs their attention and helps them remember what they hear.

Why it helps:

• Memory practice: Repeating rhymes helps children learn to remember and recall information.

• Spotting patterns: Rhymes are full of patterns, which teaches children how sequences work.

When learning feels fun and familiar, it sticks! That’s why singing the same few rhymes again and again isn’t just okay, it’s fantastic for their brains, and why I have been happy to sing "How Much Is That Doggy In The Window?" each night for the last two months!

3. Building Bonds and Social Skills

Singing together is such a lovely way to bond. Whether it’s in the car, during bath time, or cuddled up on the sofa, it creates special moments and a sense of togetherness.

It also helps children learn how to connect with others, like taking turns, making eye contact, and joining in with a group.

Why it helps:

• Emotional connection: Sharing songs helps kids feel safe, loved, and seen.

• Social development: Group rhymes (like action songs) help children practise sharing attention and interacting with others.

Whether you’re singing with just your child or in a group setting like Panda's Play, it’s a simple way to encourage social confidence.

4. Encouraging Movement and Physical Development

Lots of nursery rhymes come with actions and those movements are doing more than just making things fun. They’re helping little ones build co-ordination and motor skills.

Why it helps:

• Gross motor skills: Songs like “If You’re Happy and You Know It” get children moving their arms, legs, and whole bodies.

• Fine motor skills: Clapping, finger movements, and gestures help build hand-eye coordination and control. Songs like "1,2,3,4,5 Once I Caught a Fish Alive" or "5 Little Speckled Frogs" are great for this.

So don’t be afraid to get a bit silly! Wiggling, clapping, and hopping along with your child is great for their body and makes the experience even more fun.

5. Growing a Love for Music and Rhythm

Nursery rhymes are full of rhythm, rhyme, and melody, all of which help develop a child’s sense of musicality.

And the best part? Trust me....you don’t need to be a “good” singer. Your child doesn’t care what your voice sounds like, they just love hearing it and experimenting with their own.

Why it helps:

• Rhythm skills: Clapping or tapping to the beat helps children understand timing and rhythm.

• Early music appreciation: Exposure to different tunes and sounds helps children connect with music in a fun, natural way.

My two love making anything they can find into instruments, banging a bowl and a spoon, shaking the pot of cake sprinkles or even twanging the elastic band on the box of my new trainers!

6. Sparking Creativity and Imagination

Nursery rhymes are often filled with silly ideas, fun characters, and magical little stories. Singing them gives children a chance to play with their imaginations.

At home, I’ve seen this constantly with my own two children. They love changing the words, making up their own rhymes, or adding little twists to the songs, especially if it includes something 'silly'!

Why it helps:

• Creative thinking: Rhymes invite kids to imagine different worlds, characters, and situations.

• Problem-solving: Some songs include stories about facing challenges or silly dilemmas, which help children think in new ways.

Encouraging kids to act out rhymes or come up with their own versions is a brilliant way to build storytelling and creativity. Allowing them to see you playing with the words will give them the confidence to try it for themselves.

So... Why Does It Matter So Much?

Because nursery rhymes aren’t just about singing, they’re packed with learning opportunities. When you sing with your child, you're helping them grow in more ways than one: language, memory, social skills, coordination, creativity... the list goes on.

But more than anything, you’re making memories.

So next time you’re singing “The Wheels on the Bus” or “Twinkle, Twinkle,” go all in. Add a funny voice, throw in some silly actions, or let your little one lead the way. You’ll be amazed how much they learn and how much fun you’ll have together.

At Panda’s Play, we always start and finish our sessions with the same songs, it’s a comforting routine the children really look forward to. We also make time to sing other nursery rhymes that link to our weekly theme or are chosen from our special nursery rhyme bag (a definite favourite!).

Do you have a favourite nursery rhyme to sing with your little one? I’d love to hear which ones make you smile!