What are number rhymes? 

Number rhymes are songs that involve numbers.

They usually have a simple tune, similar to nursery rhymes, and are used to support young children practise early maths skills. 

You can starting singing number rhymes to your child form birth and continue to sing them for as long as your child enjoys them! 

Why are numbers rhymes so important? 

Number rhymes are amazing. They help children develop number sense in a fun and low pressured way. 

Children learn through repetition, so singing number rhymes throughout the day will help them to become familiar with numbers and the patterns between them. 

Different number rhymes will help children develop different mathematical skills. There are number rhymes to practise counting forwards, counting backwards, skip counting and subtraction. 

While singing number rhymes, try showing the numbers on your fingers. This will help your child start to link the number to the amount. 

As well as helping to develop a wide range of mathematical skills, number rhymes also support language development, social and emotional skills and listening skills.

Five number rhymes to try at home

1. One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Once I Caught a Fish Alive - supports counting to ten

2. Zoom, Zoom, Zoom, We're Going To The Moon - supports counting backwards from five 

3. Five Little Ducks - supports subtraction 

4. Five Little Speckled Frogs - supports subtraction 

5. One, Two Buckle My Shoe -  supports counting in 2s 

If you are looking for more ways to support your child with developing number sense in a fun and engaging way, take a look at the Preschool Number Activity Cards, Reception Number Activity Cards and Year 1 Number Activity Cards.