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Number rhymes for early maths

Use original rhymes and actions to practise counting and order.

Quick answer

Number rhymes are simple songs and chants that help children learn to count, recognise numbers, and understand order. They use rhythm, repetition, and actions to make numbers fun and easy to remember.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use number rhymes to count forward and backward, recognise number patterns, and understand how numbers relate to each other in a fun and active way. Success signs:
  • You can sing a number rhyme from 1 to 10 or higher
  • You can use actions or movements with numbers
  • You can count objects by saying a rhyme
  • You can say numbers in order or backwards

Why this matters

Number rhymes help children understand numbers before they even learn to write them. They are a great way to practice counting, number order, and early maths skills. Rhymes also help children remember numbers better because music and movement make learning stick. These skills are important for later maths learning, like addition, subtraction, and patterns. Even grown-ups use number rhymes when they are young. Many of us learned to count with "One, two, three, four, five, once I caught a fish alive!" or "Ten little monkeys jumping on the bed." These rhymes make learning numbers feel like play, not work.

How it works

Number rhymes use simple words, repeated sounds, and actions to help children understand numbers. They usually follow a pattern:
  1. Start with a number (like one or two)
  2. Count up or down using a tune
  3. Use actions or movements with each number
  4. Repeat the rhyme to help remember
You can make up your own rhymes or use ones you already know. The more you sing them, the easier it gets to remember the numbers and their order.

Examples you can see

Here are some examples of number rhymes that help with counting and order: Counting to 5 with actions:
  • One, two, three, four, five, I can count them all!
  • One jump, two jump, three jump, four jump, five jump!
Counting backwards:
  • Five, four, three, two, one, I'm ready to go!
  • Five little ducks, four little ducks, three little ducks, two little ducks, one little duck!
Counting in groups:
  • One, two, three, four, five, I have five toys!
  • One, two, three, four, five, I have five toys!
Real-world example: Imagine you are at a birthday party and need to count how many candles are on each cake. You can use a rhyme to help:
  • One candle, two candles, three candles, four candles, five candles!
You can also use rhymes to count how many pieces of cake each person gets, or how many friends are playing a game.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Number Rhyme Challenge You are a number explorer who must collect numbers from 1 to 10. Each number you collect must be sung in a rhyme with actions.
  1. 1st time: Sing "One, two, three, four, five, I can count them all!" and do five claps.
  2. 2nd time: Sing "One, two, three, four, five, I have five toys!" and show five fingers.
  3. 3rd time: Sing "Five, four, three, two, one, I'm ready to go!" and do five jumps backwards.
  4. 4th time: Sing "One, two, three, four, five, I have five toys!" and count five blocks.
  5. 5th time: Sing "One, two, three, four, five, I'm ready to go!" and do five jumps forward.
If you can do this adventure, you will be a number rhyme champion!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Forgetting to use actions or movements with numbers
    Why it happens: Children might think rhymes are just words, not a way to learn numbers
    Fix: Add actions like clapping, jumping, or pointing with each number
  • Mistake: Counting out of order
    Why it happens: Children may rush or get confused
    Fix: Practice counting slowly and clearly, using rhymes to help
  • Mistake: Singing the same rhyme over and over without changing
    Why it happens: Children get bored or don’t understand the learning
    Fix: Try new rhymes, change the actions, or count different things

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Singing number rhymes with children every day, even for just a few minutes
  • Adding actions or movements to make it fun and active
  • Using everyday objects to count together, like toys, snacks, or steps
  • Encouraging children to make up their own rhymes
  • Not worrying if a child doesn’t remember the exact words – focus on the rhythm and counting
It’s important to keep the activity playful and not stressful. If a child gets stuck, gently guide them back to the rhyme or number pattern.

Practice questions

  1. How many claps do you do if you sing "One, two, three, four, five, I can count them all!"?
  2. What number comes after 7 in a counting rhyme?
  3. Which number comes before 3 in a backward rhyme?
  4. How many jumps do you do if you sing "Five, four, three, two, one, I'm ready to go!"?
  5. Can you make up a rhyme for the number 6 using actions?
Answers:
  1. Five claps
  2. 8
  3. 2
  4. Five jumps
  5. Example answer: "Six, five, four, three, two, one, I'm ready to go!" with six jumps

FAQ

What age should children start learning number rhymes?

Children can start learning number rhymes from around age 2 or 3. Even very young children enjoy the rhythm and movement of simple rhymes.

Can number rhymes help with learning to write numbers?

Yes! Number rhymes help children understand what numbers mean before they learn to write them. The more they know the numbers, the easier it is to write them later.

How often should I practice number rhymes?

Even 5-10 minutes a day can make a big difference. Try to include rhymes in daily routines like bedtime, snack time, or walks.

Are number rhymes only for young children?

No! Older children can still enjoy and learn from number rhymes. They are great for review, fun practice, or learning new skills.

Can I make up my own number rhymes?

Absolutely! Making up rhymes helps children connect with numbers in their own way. Try to use simple words and actions that make sense to your child.